When Faith Feels Risky

Part 3 of the When God Writes the Story Series (Ruth 3)

***This is Part 3 of a 4-part series on the book of Ruth called “When God Writes the Story.” I would highly encourage you to read Ruth 3 (as well as Part 1 and 2) before you begin this reflection.

“Risk is an overlooked part of living out our faith. John Wimber is famous for saying, ‘Faith is spelled R-I-S-K.’ When you take risks, you will see God show up in surprising ways because you need Him to. I wonder if the reason we don’t see God’s power in our lives is that we play it too safe. I’m with Matt Chandler on this one: ‘Comfort is the god of our generation.’”
– Megan Fate Marshman, Relaxed

I’ve been sitting with this quote for a few weeks now, thinking about the last time I did something that wasn’t up to me to make happen. Or said something that felt vulnerable and I couldn’t control how it would be received. Isn’t that what it really means to risk something?

This past week, I said YES to something risky. I don’t think I’m qualified for it. I don’t think I can do it like others can. I don’t know how it will work out or what will come of it. To be honest, I don’t even know if we can afford it. And yet, God was clear to my husband and I—trust me, take a risk. And it scares us deeply.

In Ruth 3, Naomi asks Ruth to do something risky. Remember, Boaz was a “worthy man”—a man of not only wealth but also of good character. And he was a goel, a kinsman-redeemer, for the family line of Elimelech. A kinsman-redeemer was responsible for safeguarding the people, property, and posterity of their family. They reclaimed land, redeemed enslaved family members, and married childless widows so the family name could continue on. That’s why Ruth and Naomi took notice of him.

But it wasn’t just because Boaz fit the bill. Ruth had been gleaning in his fields for almost two months during the harvest and had learned that he wasn’t just any goel, but one she was willing to risk something for.

And here’s the thing—Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, who is worth risking something for.

But let’s be real: risk is scary. Comfort is easier, safer. So, what can we learn from Ruth 3 about risk? And maybe a better question would be this— how might what we learn from Ruth lead us to risk something ourselves for our Redeemer? Here’s what Ruth shows us…

Risk is rooted in trust.

Ruth trusted Naomi. That’s what started this whole thing. Naomi, in Ruth 3:1, says, “‘My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?’” This word rest is the same Hebrew word, manowach, we find in Ruth 1:9. It means rest and security. Naomi wants more for Ruth. She knows a life staying where she is—or with her—wouldn’t be what Ruth is made for.

So Naomi makes a plan for Ruth to approach Boaz at the threshing floor. He most likely was sleeping there to watch over his crops because of local theft. But all in all this plan held risk for Ruth—risk to her safety, her reputation, and the possibility of rejection. Yet Ruth says, “All that you say I will do.” (Ruth 3:5).

Ruth trusted Naomi. She also trusted God. And so she risked something because of her trust in both.

Who or what do you place your trust in? Who or what you trust will ultimately determine what risks you’re willing to take.

Bold faith seeks righteousness in the risks.

We may think that Ruth laying at the feet of Boaz on the threshing floor was forward, but it was not inappropriate or sexual in any way. But it was bold. She knew her rights—that Boaz was her goel—and she went for it in the most proper way.

It was bold because Boaz wasn’t expecting her in the middle of the night. She “uncovers his feet,” a sign of total submission in those days. It was a way of saying, “I want you to redeem me.” When he awakens, she declares, “Spread your wings over your servant, for you are a redeemer.” She was simply saying, “I’m a widow, and I want you to make me your wife.” Bold, yes—but not self-seeking. It wasn’t about her desires for a husband here, it was about loyalty to Naomi and keeping her family’s name.

Risky faith isn’t about selfish gain; it’s about going after God’s heart. And God honors that. We see it in Boaz’s response: “May you be blessed by the Lord, my daughter” (Ruth 3:10).

What are you thinking about risking? And is that risk aligned with the heart of God? If you’re not sure, keep coming to Him and asking. He’ll honor that.

Risky faith trusts God with the outcomes.

This one is hard. Remember how I said I said YES to something risky this past week? The hardest part of saying YES is that I have NO IDEA how God is going to use it. I just know He’s asking me to do it.

Ruth went to the threshing floor that night, unsure how God would use it and uncertain how Boaz would respond. That had to be wildly scary. What if someone found out? What might they say? She had to set aside the “what ifs” and trust God with the outcome.

This isn’t easy, but this is what risky faith requires.

What situation in your life right now feels uncertain, and how might God be inviting you to trust Him with the outcome instead of holding onto control?

Risk opens the door to redemption.

If Ruth had not taken the risk to go to the threshing floor that night, she may never have found her Redeemer. If she had not humbled herself before Boaz and laid at his feet until he woke, she may never have known if redemption was possible. Her risk opened the door to redemption. Her vulnerability in front of Boaz opened a door to God’s work.

God ultimately writes the story, but He calls us to act and participate in it. What if she hadn’t risked it? What if fear had held her back? What if the possibility of people judging her had stopped her?

Think about a space in your heart or life where you desire redemption—a place that needs healing. What if God is inviting you to risk something in order for that redemption and healing to take place?

Could the very place you feel most vulnerable be the place God wants to bring redemption? Open your heart to listen to what God may be asking you to risk so that healing can begin.

Here’s the thing, friends: this is not easy.

But God never promised easy. He does promise redemption. So maybe the threshing floor moments of our lives—where risk feels costly—are the very places God is writing redemption into our lives.

Risks don’t have to be big things either. Sometimes it’s sending a text to invite someone over to your house—and it feels risky because you might be rejected. Sometimes it’s showing up when you don’t know if you’ll be accepted there. Maybe it’s saying yes to an invitation. It could also look like slowing down to talk to someone and risking being late to your next appointment.

What might the Spirit be inviting you to risk today?

Whatever it is, take the risk.

If it’s rooted in trust and aligns with God’s heart, then trust God with the outcome, and believe that He’s writing your story of redemption. Because He is.