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 Food for Thought 

For the week of September 5, 2010
(Questions and Scriptures for further study)

1. We read in Ruth 4 that Ruth's story had a happy ending.  Because of her character and obedience, God provided her a prosperous husband, at least one child, and, we assume, a "happy-ever-after" life.  Unfortunately, life doesn't always work out that way.  We know that even for people who live lives of integrity and obedience, there will be times of trials and suffering.  How could the following verses help encourage and strengthen you during difficult times?
    
Romans 5:3-5 
    Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. [NIV] 

James 1:2-4 
    Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. [4] Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. [NIV] 

Romans 8:28-30 
    And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. [NIV] 

What is most challenging for you in accepting what these passages say about hardship? 

It's easy to think that when we obey, it will result in immediate rewards and earthly blessings.  What do you learn about this kind of thinking from Hebrews 11:32-40? 
    
Hebrews 11:32-40 
    And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, [33] who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, [34] quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. [35] Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. [36] Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. [37] They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated-- [38] the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 
    [39] These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. [40] God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. [NIV] 

2. Another example of God's providence is found in Acts where, for the first time, Peter preaches the Gospel to people who aren't Jews.  As you read Acts 10:1-23, note how God was at work to prepare the messenger (Peter) and those who needed to hear the Gospel. 
     
Acts 10:1-23 
    At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. [2] He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. [3] One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!" 
    [4] Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, Lord?" he asked.
    The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. [5] Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. [6] He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea." 
    [7] When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. [8] He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa. 
    [9] About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. [10] He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. [11] He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. [12] It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. [13] Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." 
    [14] "Surely not, Lord!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean." 
    [15] The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." 
    [16] This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. 
    [17] While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. [18] They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. 
    [19] While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. [20] So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them." 
    [21] Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?" 
    [22] The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say." [23] Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
    The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. [NIV] 

Where in this story do you see similar responses and actions as the main characters in the Book of Ruth? 

Take a moment to thank God for any providential provisions He has provided for you. 

3. As you look at your life, how would you answer this question, "How am I doing at living a life that honors God and puts me in a place to experience His blessings in my relationships, family, job, etc.?"