Daily Devotion for September 7, 2006

Whatever You Ask

 

"I will do whatever you say," Ruth answered. Ruth 3:5

 

Whatever you say? Wow that's a pretty powerful statement. Yet, that very night Boaz spoke the same intention to Ruth, (and now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask.... Ruth 3:11).

 

 The bible is filled with many examples, people who were simply people of integrity while also sinners, those who were willing to do the right thing when faced with a choice. Daniel did that over and over when he refused to give up prayer to God for even a short time. Joseph did that when he took for his wife Mary, a young woman who was already with child. Hannah kept her promise and gave up her son Samuel freely to God.

 

 Being able to say to God, "Whatever you ask, Lord, I will do," that is my goal. How difficult I find it to follow when it means giving up my own plans and desires, when it means facing possible persecution, humiliation or hardships. I struggle and I pray, and sometimes I'm even tempted to try and bargain with God. When it comes down to it however and I do the right thing, I can feel it within my own soul, whether I ever see the impact or not.

 

 The simple action of Boaz had great consequences later although he had no way of knowing then that his legacy would become the lineage of Jesus. The steadfast faith of Daniel led the very king who sent him to the lion's den to issue a decree that all must fear and give reverence to Daniel’s God. The willingness to do the right thing may have far reaching consequences which you or I will never know.

 

 A friend sent me a saying that I have at work that says, “A person of integrity does what's right just because it's right.” The simple decisions we make to do the right thing now can have consequences far beyond that of our wildest dreams or imagination. We only need to be willing to say, "Yes, Lord, I will do for you whatever you ask."

 

Prayer
Jesus, You are my Lord. Lord of my present and of my future. Help me, Jesus, to focus on you daily so I may be ready for whatever you may ask of me each and every day. Give me the wisdom to discern your voice and the courage to follow it wherever it may lead. Forgive me when I fail and thank you for new starts.  Thank you, Father. Amen.

 

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