September 23, 2010

Will anyone ever see me... way down here?

Have you ever thought about how (or rather the position of where) you spend the majority of your day?

Yesterday on my personal blog, Living Above Ministries, I wrote about Ruth and how she positioned herself for a wonderful blessing.  I have not been able to get this message of humility out of my mind.

Ruth positioned herself as a gleaner - someone who gathered and picked up, what was most of the time left on the ground, in order to provide for herself and Naomi.  It was in this position that God chose to bless her!  He sent Boaz her way, who ended up being her kinsman-redeemer.

Ruth 2:2 (NASB)
And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, "Please let me go to the field and glean among the ears of grain after one in whose sight I may find favor."

Now, I don't go out into a barley field every day - but here is just a short list of what I do from a bended position - picking up or gathering...

1.  Pick up toys - the same ones daily most of the time
2.  Pick up dirty clothes
3.  Clean toilets
4.  Clean bathtubs
5.  Retrieve that favorite "gotta-have-right-this-second-toy" from under the couch/refrigerator/bed
6.  Sweep up the spilled food or dirt into a dust pan
7.  Pull weeds from the flower beds in the yard
8.  Change diapers

The list could go on and on of all the ways we find ourselves in a position of humility!  Talk about lowly jobs, scrubbing toilets and changing nasty diapers!!!

Have you ever wondered if anyone will ever see you... from way down here?!

What about other areas of service?  How do you handle other women moving ahead in the very same areas that you thought would be your place?

You see other women getting the speaking invitations, the blog followers, the numerous comments, the published books, the places of exaltation that you just knew would one day be yours!  How do you find contentment in the humble and unseen & unrecognized jobs of life?

I'm here to tell you today that Ruth positioned herself to usher in greatness... and she didn't even know it!  She didn't seek out the "hook-ups" for the best field in which to glean, with the hopes of meeting someone who could raise her status - she just worked hard at the opportunities that the Lord put right in front of her.  She also worked hard without out complaining.  We hear of her hard work - but we never hear of her dissatisfaction!

In my recent Bible Study on the book of Ruth by Kelly Minter, I came across a couple of wonderful & freeing verses.

James 4:6, 10 (NASB)
But He gives a greater grace.  Therefore it says, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.  Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

1 Peter 5:6 (NASB)
Humble yourselves, therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time.

Will anyone ever see you.... way down there?  
With a resounding YES!!!

In fact, from those lowly positions, those seemingly unseen and unrecognized positions, is where God shows "greater grace"!  It's from these menial tasks, the ones you feel like are beneath you, where God has the opportunity to exalt you... in His proper time!

We get to see Ruth's "proper time" when the Lord brings Ruth & Boaz together.  Ruth & Boaz have a son, Obed.  Obed is the father of Jesse.  Jesse is the father of King David!  And from the line of King David comes Jesus Christ!!

Ruth positioned herself to usher in greatness - from a very lowly and humble position of gleaner.  God saw her in those fields and he sees you in your fields of barley too!  He exalted her and He will exalt you too!  The Lord showed her grace and I'm here to tell you there's "greater grace" waiting for you as well.

I pray that you find comfort and satisfaction in those bended positions today...
as they position you for more grace, blessings, and exaltation by our Lord!








I would love to get to know you better!  You can find me almost every day sharing what God is teaching me personally over at my blog, Living Above Ministries.  I also am totally addicted to Facebook & Twitter!  So grab a cup of coffee and let's chat!!

9 comments:

Joy Ellis said...

Loved the post! Sometimes I think it would be nice to be recognized for all the work I do at being a Stay at home mom whom homeschools her children. However, I know I am doing what the Lord wants me to do. By me staying at home, He has blessed our family and provided for us. So that is what I try to focus on and not worry about everything or everyone else!

Penny Franklin said...

I love your heart Joy! This is a simple concept to understand - but so much harder to actually live - day in and day out!

It certainly helps that there are other Moms out there feeling the same as I do! Let's all be Ruths together today!

Thanks for being such an encourager to me! You're the best!

Theresa said...

Great Word for us today Pen. Thanks for sharing. I'll remember Ruth today as I go about baking, cooking and cleaning for my hubby's birthday. Sometimes it is discouraging when you think you are doing all the dirty work while everyone else is having all the fun. That is a lie though. I need to be joyful right here where God has called me.
Have a wonderful day my friend :)

Penny Franklin said...

You too!!! I'm right there with ya - I'm working on a church project and I'm doing my best not to get stressed out about it! I know if I keep my head down and work out - the Lord is in charge of the results!

Have a great day! And Happy Birthday to your hubby!

bizzielizzie32 said...

THanks for the encouraging words Penny. God does see us in the lowly places and I like how you said "Ruth positioned herself to usher in greatness." God is definetely teaching me something about my current state of life. Thanks for the encouragment.

Penny Franklin said...

Thanks Liz!!! Happy Early Birthday!!!

Rebecca said...

I can not believe I have never been to your blog. I absolutely love it. thank you so much for this amazing way of reaching out. A Friend of mine recently told me...when she scrubs toilets...she sings: "I'm cleaning the toilet for Jesus...." and emphasises Jesus!!!!

Penny Franklin said...

Hey Rebecca! Thanks for coming to my blog! You've just encouraged me more than you realize!!!

I know exactly how your friend feels - however I have to remind myself of this concept often!

Have a great evening!

aurie said...

great post!! i love the story of ruth - it's one that i re-read often and marvel at her humbleness. thank you :)

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