10 So she fell on her face, bowed down to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, since I am a foreigner?” 11 And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has been fully reported to me, all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband, and how you have left your father and your mother and the land of your birth, and have come to a people whom you did not know before. 12 The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.” 13 Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord; for you have comforted me, and have spoken [a]kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your maidservants.”
Ruth 2:10-13
A native of Moab, Ruth had married a son of Naomi, an Israelite woman. But when Naomi’s husband and son died, Ruth moved with her mother-in-law to Israel, where their situation seemed hopeless. They were widows with no income. Perhaps most serious, Ruth was from Moab, Israel’s enemy. Looking for life’s necessities, she found herself gleaning in fields owned by Boaz, a man about whom she knew nothing. Yet, because of her attitude and actions, she found favor with Boaz and eventually became his wife. Her poverty was replaced by abundance. All because she received favor. This is just one of the many examples the Bible provides about the impact of favor. There are many ways we can receive favor. But, ultimately, the Bible teaches us that favor comes from God. And His favor can change any situation around! Favor cannot be earned. However, this favor can be brought to us as we live our lives to please God. The Bible tells us not to “let kindness and truth” leave us. That we are to “bind them around your neck” and “write them on the tablet of your heart.” If we live this way, the Bible promises that we “will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:3-4). Ruth received favor even though she was not an Israelite. But she had pleased God and demonstrated Godly principles. Today, ask God to grant you His favor in every area of your life. In business. In your family and personal life. In your finances and health. Seek to please Him and have the right attitude in everything you do. Have faith that He can open doors and change any situation you face.
