Handsful of Purpose

By Michael Pemberton

“And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.” - Ruth:2:16

So there I was, just about as happy-go-lucky as I thought I could ever be.  My girlfriend had dumped me a couple months earlier, I was fresh out of the army with money in my pocket, and I'd just moved to Texas to join a really special church.  I had no job, no big plans, no major commitments, and a light heart.

I pulled into San Antonio on a Monday night and spent the night in a hotel.  The next day I called the pastor and made arrangements for someplace to stay.  I was excited about attending the pastor's bible study that night and spent the day driving around town, taking in the sights.  What a great day!

I got to the church early that evening.  The conditioned air was as refreshing as a cool shower after spending a day driving around in the southern summer heat.  In my normal gregarious way I started introducing myself around.

"Where are you from?"

"Michigan," I said.

"How did you find out about our church?"   "Did you just move here?"  "Are you married?"  The questions and answers came fast and the people were so sweet.  As I worked my way around the room I found myself across the table from a young woman, obviously pregnant.  She was laughing.  I checked my zipper and hair.

"What's so funny," I asked?  "Oh, nothing," she said, still laughing.  Then, almost melodically, "I know who you're going to marry! You're gonna marry Lynda Kincaid!"  She was laughing almost hard enough to cry.  I immediately determined not to like this Lynda character, whoever she was.  And I tried very hard.  For about three weeks, that is.  We've been married going on 18 years.

I think this really illustrates the way our loving heavenly father provides for us.  I wasn't looking for a wife.  I wasn't even thinking about meeting someone.  But God knew what I needed.  So many times we would go blissfully off on our own way in life, except that he drops something in our path.  Some little handful of blessing left there like it was an accident or coincidence.

Handfuls of purpose.  God's little breadcrumbs left on the path so that we can find our way to him.   As I consider my life over the past 21 years since I first came to Jesus, I realize that it's not so much that I've been faithful to him as it is that his blessings have drawn me along the path.  Forgiveness, family, employment, a Christian brother in an unexpected place, a sermon, the deep peace that comes over me at times of stress, a verse of scripture, a word of encouragement from some brother or sister at church, and many others.  These have been like so many rings "accidentally" linked together to form a chain of blessings that lead and bind me to my heavenly father.

As you consider these things today, please think on two points.  First, make a conscious effort to recall as many of the handfuls of blessings you have found along your way as you possibly can.  Thank the "Forerunner" for leaving such a clear trail of his love for you.

Second, think about the ways you might leave some handfuls of your own.  Scripture says that "The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance."  Jude instructs us that "of some having compassion,” because as he explains it we're, "making a difference."  Perhaps you know of someone who is isolated, depressed or still lost in their sins and without the savior.  Try "dropping" a blessing by them.  Make it seem natural.  You'll be doing the work of God!