DIVINE PRESERVATION

Divine preservation is often misunderstood as a one-way action. Only one party is involved, namely God. God alone blesses, then humans just receive and enjoy God's blessings. It seems like human initiative is not needed to do anything. There is no need for effort or work. In fact, that's not true. Reading the story of Ruth will help us understand this truth.

Ruth experienced divine preservation when she returned to the land of Judah with her mother-in-law, Naomi. She ate until she was full, with some left over (verse 14). She brought back to her house an abundance of food supplies. In the end, she became the wife of Boaz, a respected and wealthy man (Ruth 4:13). It is clear to see God's role in blessing Ruth. However, upon closer observation, we can also see Ruth's role in it. Ruth took the initiative to glean barley behind the harvesters. After getting permission from her mother-in-law, she immediately set out to the field where God led her (verses 2-3). From morning until Boaz, the field's owner, noticed her, she continued to work diligently (verse 7). Then, Ruth followed Naomi's advice to sneak to Boaz's sleeping area in order to talk to him about their future (Ruth 3:7-9).

Indeed, God loves to bless, even abundantly. However, blessings do not just fall from the sky. Not all needs are automatically met. Besides God's role, human responsibility is also required. Therefore, humans cannot use divine preservation as an excuse for laziness or unwillingness. If we desire to be blessed, let us take initiative. Let us make an effort. Roll up our sleeves to work diligently. --LIN/www.renunganharian.net