Hijacking God’s PlanRuth 3:1-18

God is my Pilot, not the co-Pilot!

From the flight deck, this is your

captain speaking… welcome aboard!

Introduction

• God’s plans may seem at times implausible, improbable, or impossible.– wrong characters– wrong locations– wrong timings– wrong goals or direction

• We often take issue with the sovereignty, strength, and character of God while waiting.

Introduction

• Not understanding is not a sin; unbelief is sin.• Faith is the acceptance of God’s perfect plan

in the face of seeming contradictions, inconsistencies or gaps.

We will be making a slight detour

from our original flight plan…

Introduction

• Hijacking God’s plan is an act of rebellion, a declaration of your own sovereignty.

Seeking Security

• Scene 1: @ the Kitchen Table (3:1-5)– Naomi tries to SECURE her daughter-in-law’s

future.– Naomi proposes an intricate, aggressive PLAN to

“catch a catch”. – Ruth agrees to follow the plan precisely.

Giving Advice1.Have I prayed about the

situation or opportunity?2.Would God say this to my friend

or am I misquoting Him?3.Have I considered God’s part in

this plan? Am I overstepping my boundaries?

4.Will this plan damage my friend’s testimony or reputation?

Midnight Madness

• Scene 2a: @ the Threshing Floor (3:6-13)– Ruth arrives at the floor on Naomi’s schedule.– Boaz, oblivious to these movements, retreats to

the quiet of the grain pile.– Ruth moves into position – the game is afoot!– Boaz awakes to find Ruth at his feet proposing

marriage! This was not in his plan!

No Shortcuts1.Have I prayed about the

situation or opportunity?2.Has God said this is okay? Or just

my friend, parent, counselor?3.Am I wrestling the controls away

from God? Have I usurped His position of power, sovereignty?

4.Will this action damage my testimony or reputation? Will I be sorry in the morning?

Midnight Madness

• Scene 2a: @ the Threshing Floor (3:6-13)– Ruth arrives at the floor on Naomi’s schedule.– Boaz, oblivious to these movements, retreats to

the quiet of the grain pile.– Ruth moves into position – the game is afoot!– Boaz awakes to find Ruth at his feet proposing

marriage! This was not in his plan!– Boaz, a man of strength, proposes a better plan.

Morning After

• Scene 2b: @ the Threshing Floor (3:14-15)– Boaz sends Ruth home in the morning with her

honor intact and a 6-scoop gift for Naomi.

Morning After

• Scene 3: @ the Kitchen Table (3:16-18)– Ruth describes every detail to Naomi. – Naomi must wait and trust that Boaz will honor

his promise to redeem his bride.– Naomi is right back where she started.

Patient Waiting1.Pray about the situation with

friends, family or counselors.2.Read, study, and reread God’s

Word. Make sure that you agree with Him.

3.Wait. Do not take shortcuts. Live without regrets.

4.Reaffirm His sovereignty, strength and character. (worship)

We are now ready for take-off. Please prepare the cabin

and be seated.