Ruth 3 – Trust God in the Dark

Introduction

This week marks our 15th wedding anniversary. When I married Sarah, there were a lot of unknowns! Marriage, like life, requires trust—especially when we can’t see what’s ahead.

The story of Ruth and Boaz reminds us of what it means to trust God when the path is uncertain, when obedience seems risky, and when the waiting feels long.

1. Trust Faithfully Obeys

Ruth 3:1–6

Ruth followed Naomi’s instructions, even though the situation carried unknowns and cultural complexity. Her obedience wasn’t reckless—it was rooted in trust.

• Ruth gleaned during the entire harvest season (Ruth 1:22, 2:23)—this took place over 6–7 weeks.

• Ruth obeyed Mosaic law by gleaning (Leviticus 19:9–10) and honoring Naomi’s and the Law's command for a kinsman redeemer (Deuteronomy 25:5–6).

• “All that you say I will do.” (Ruth 3:5) — a statement of obedient trust.

Application Questions:

• Do you trust God enough to follow His ways, even when the outcome is uncertain?

• Is your faith only belief, or is it also faithfulness?

“Faith and faithfulness are logically and linguistically one in the Old and New Testaments… it manifests itself in continued obedience.” – Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible

Key Truth:
As you obediently work the fields of everyday faithfulness, God is working behind the scenes for your good and His glory.

2. Trust Embraces Risk

Ruth 3:7–9

In the dark, Ruth approaches Boaz with a bold proposal—a leap of faith!

• Ruth risks rejection by asking Boaz to be her redeemer:

“Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” (Ruth 3:9)

• This echoes Boaz’s earlier words:

“Under whose wings you have come to take refuge.” (Ruth 2:12)

Supporting Scriptures:

• Hebrews 11:1 – "Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

• Psalm 91:4 – “Under his wings you will find refuge.”

• Malachi 4:2 – “The sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.”

Illustration:
Skydiving requires full surrender—like faith. There’s no steering once you jump. Ruth took a leap of faith and landed in God’s provision.

Application Questions:

• When’s the last time you took a spiritual risk?

• Are you doing anything that forces you to pray and depend on God?

“Prayerlessness is our declaration of independence from God.” – Daniel Henderson

Key Truth:
If there is no risk, there is no real faith. Trust embraces uncertainty and acts anyway.

3. Trust Brings Blessing

Ruth 3:10–13

Boaz responds to Ruth’s bold trust with blessing:

• “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter…” (v.10)

• “Do not fear.” (v.11)

• “As the Lord lives, I will redeem you.” (v.13)

Supporting Scriptures:

• Hebrews 11:6 – “God rewards those who seek Him.”

• Lamentations 3:25 – “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him.”

Application Questions:

• What would it look like to trust God with everything—your time, money, decisions, and future?

Illustration: Joni Eareckson Tada
Despite suffering, she trusted God and became a global voice of hope.

• 80,000+ families served through retreats

• 227,000+ wheelchairs and Bibles distributed

• Millions of books and radio listeners impacted

“He has chosen not to heal me, but to hold me…” – Joni Eareckson Tada

Key Truth:
You cannot outgive God. Trust brings deeper blessing—even if it costs you something.

4. Trust Demands Waiting

Ruth 3:14–18

Ruth lays at Boaz’s feet until morning—a symbol of patience and purity. Boaz gives her six measures of barley, an abundant and symbolic gift.

“Wait, my daughter…” (v.18)
“The man will not rest but will settle the matter today.”

Supporting Scriptures:

• Psalm 37:5, 7 – “Commit your way… wait patiently for him.”

• 2 Corinthians 1:9 – “To make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.”

Application Questions:

• Are you willing to wait on God’s timing?

• What is God asking you to trust Him for today?

Key Truth:
Trusting God often means waiting on God. Our faith matures in the waiting.

Conclusion: Trust God in the Dark

How’s your trust quotient?
Are you faithfully obeying, embracing risk, and waiting patiently?

Parallel with the New Testament:
Matthew 9:19–22 – A woman touches Jesus’ garment, believing it would make her well.

The Parallels to Ruth:

• She takes a risk (unclean in a crowd)

• She touches the fringe of His garment (Ruth 3:9)

• Jesus says, “Take heart, daughter” (Ruth 3:10)

• Jesus says, “Your faith has made you well” (Ruth 3:1 – “that it may be well with you”)

Final Challenge:
Everyone is facing something they’re tempted to handle alone.
Will you trust God in the dark?

Main Takeaways

• Trust faithfully obeys God’s ways.

• Trust embraces risk for His glory.

• Trust brings blessing—not always material, but always meaningful.

• Trust demands waiting on His perfect timing.

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.” – Lamentations 3:25