What She found in her field . . .

Many factors come into play when deciding about a career field. We consider the length of education or training, the job outlook, the longevity of the profession, prospect for promotion, the earning potential, and more. The focus is often on personal advantage and professional trajectory. Will this job take me to the top? How far can I go if I choose this career field?

While these factors are important considerations in career decision making, they are not the only indicators for the fields in which we should find ourselves as leadHERs. When unfortunate life circumstances altered the course of Ruth’s life, she was faced with an employment decision that was a necessity for her survival and her mother-in-law Naomi. Finding work in the field of a Bethlehem landowner, Ruth began the humble task of gleaning leftover grain behind the workers.

“And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter. And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech” (Ruth 2:2-3)

No glamorous title, no corner office, no reserved parking space . . . her leadership role, her profession of choice required hours of work in the sun, and her daily harvest would simply provide the meals she and Naomi needed. But she came to realize how God was directing her steps to the very place where her greatest blessing would materialize.

Taking note of the “new girl” gleaning behind his workers, Boaz requested to meet her and encouraged her remain in his field under his protection and care. And she did, returning each day to his field until the conclusion of the barley and wheat harvests.

“Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens” (Ruth 2:8).

She could have looked elsewhere, tried other fields, sought favor or advantages from other landowners. But her eyes were opened through her experience with Boaz and her heart was comforted by the way in which he treated her.

“Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens” (Ruth 2:13).

As leadHERs, it’s so important to discern the field in which we are called to glean. When we don’t recognize where we are as the place where our blessing lies, when we look over into other fields hoping, thinking we will attain more, when we leave from where we have been planted hoping to gain more, we often miss the very best that God has for us.

“And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field. So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law” (Ruth 2:22-23).

Ruth’s ability to abide in the place where God had directed her steps provides lessons for us all. No, it wasn’t a glamorous set-up and in fact required hard, menial work. But it was exactly where she needed to be.

REMAIN – Stay in the place God has led you even when it doesn’t look like where you thought your life should be.

RECOGNIZE – See the potential for advancement in unlikely circumstances.

READY – Serve, not for personal profit or material gain, but for the benefit of others.

RECOMPENSE – Secure the blessing by being in the position for the favor God is pouring out.

LeadHERs, my prayer for you today is that you will open your eyes in the place where God has positioned you. See the potential for what He will do as you yield your life in humility and service to Him and others. Get ready to experience His blessings and favor in unexpected places!

Your Sister in LeadHERship,

Dr. Margaret R. Frye

Want to learn more about Ruth’s story? Find it in Ruth 2:1-23

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