Your Boaz should NOT be just about good looks, a nice smile, smooth words, nice job and car, muscular build, fashionable clothes, big connections, etc. If he does have all that, great! But that is NOT what you should be looking for.

If you want to recognize the guy that God is sending you, you must think like God. How does God choose? Let’s look at what God said to Samuel when He was selecting a king for Israel.

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7)” – Nikisha Brunson urbanbushbabes.com

I had the pleasure of reading a blog by Nikisha Brunson titled “How I Knew He Was My Husband: How to Know If He’s Marriage Material (Finding Your Boaz).” Included in her blog was an  incerpt by Lindsay Blackburn via Startmarriageright.com. God is constantly preparing us for our next level and if you desire to be a wife and not just a woman who’s married (there’s a difference) you have to submit yourself to those who can instruct you on how to be the best wife you can be. Yes we are all different, yes we come from various backgrounds, but the basic principles are designed by God and He does not change to fit the person. You will implement them in your own way but you have to know what they are to be successful at it. But let’s not take the cart before the horse. A lot of us can’t even think about being a wife because we have no idea what to look for in a husband. I’m a true believer that when someone has perfected something, lets not try to reinvent it so I simply copied and pasted Lindsay’s remarkable breakdown of how to recognize a modern-day Boaz… I could not have said it better! You’ll know the parts that I shout about based on the bold colors I use to highlight them! Let me just encourage you all, while I encourage myself… BE PATIENT! KNOW GOD WANTS HIS BEST FOR YOU AND LOVE YOURSELF AND HIM ENOUGH NOT TO COMPROMISE YOUR BELIEFS TO FULLFILL A FANTASY YOU DESIGNED IN YOUR HEAD! YOU WANT THE REAL DEAL SO WAIT FOR IT!

Via Startmarriageright.com Written by Lindsay Blackburn

A Modern-Day Boaz

My favorite story in the Bible is that of Ruth. Despite the urging of her mother-in-law, Naomi, to stay in Moab, return to her parents’ household, and re-marry, Ruth displays such a beautiful portrayal of loyalty when she clings to Naomi (Ruth 1:14) and says, “For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God” (1:16). This act of faith to journey to Judah, a commitment to her mother-in-law, her hard work in the fields, and her own lovely character, brought about a harvest of blessing upon Ruth, as God drew a man named Boaz to notice her, pursue her, and marry her.

(Can we take a quick commericial break right here? I just want to make mention of that last line. The emphasis should be on “God drew…” You don’t have to draw a man’s attention to you, that’s God’s job! Stop trying to help him out. The light of your life will draw him to you and he will not only notice you but pursue you. Yes, he pursues you!! You don’t pursue him. You can let him know you’re interested by your responses to his pursuit but never ever feel the need to chase a man! … okay continue…)

So, who was this man named Boaz, and why do I encourage young women today to wait for a modern-day Boaz? Here are some key characteristics of a man who is marriage-material:

He is Worthy

Boaz was described as a worthy man (2:1) who believed in the Lord (2:4).

A modern-day Boaz will:

• Have a good reputation because he’s proven himself to be a man of character and worth by his actions.
• He will have a solid relationship with the Lord, which is of great importance for a woman of worth (3:11). Thus, you will be equally yoked in your relationship, with each person growing in their faith, serving the Lord, and evidencing the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Wait and observe how deep his Christianity goes. Does it show only when you are around, or is it full on all the time? Does he pray with you? Read the Bible with you? Attend church with you? Does he read the Bible, obey scripture, pray, and attend church on his own time? Is he respecting you according to God’s standards?

He is a Protector

Boaz encouraged Ruth to glean in his own field, so that she would be safe among the other women. He also charged the young men of his field not to touch her (2:9).

A modern-day Boaz will:

• Protect your purity, as well as his own, by respecting boundaries. He knows that sex is a sacred act to be enjoyed only in marriage, and he appreciates your high standards.
• Guard your heart, by making known his intentions to pursue you when the time is right. You will know where he stands. He won’t lead you on by just “hanging out” with you for an extended period of time, enjoying the benefits of your company without accepting appropriate responsibility toward you.

He is a Provider

Boaz met Ruth’s needs. He gave her plenty of water to drink (2:9), provided meals for her (2:14), and gave her an abundance of barley to share with Naomi (3:15).

A modern-day Boaz will:

• Work hard. He is a mature, responsible man with right priorities. Being a provider is not about making lots of money. It’s about a man meeting the basic needs of his wife and children. He’s disciplined in work and with money.
• Properly understand a man’s Biblical role as the leader of the household. Under his leadership and banner of protection, you will feel safe and secure as his wife. This is because he has your best interests in mind, serves you sacrificially, and loves you as Christ loved the church. (If he doesn’t read the Bible and attend church regularly he won’t know how to be this man)

He is Observant

Ruth caught Boaz’s eye (2:5), but he also noticed her inward character, good deeds (2:11-12), and kindness (3:10).

A modern-day Boaz will:

• Find you attractive! It’s important to have the “spark.”
• Cherish your inner beauty. It is good for a man to marry a woman with the kind of loveliness that cannot fade. He appreciates these qualities in you, and will encourage you verbally when he notices you acting with integrity, kindness, and love.
• Study you. He will find out what makes you tick, and seek to understand you more fully over time. He will notice what you enjoy, and do little things from time-to-time just to make you smile.

He is Compassionate

Boaz had care and concern for others, loving his neighbor as himself. As the owner of a field, Boaz showed generosity and compassion on the less fortunate by following Levitical law (Leviticus 19:9-10).

A modern-day Boaz will:

• Look for opportunities to bless others.
• Serve wholeheartedly
• Give generously, as God prompts him to do so.
• Be kind and loving to the “littlest and least,” not looking down on others in self-righteousness.
• Utilize his spiritual gifts to edify the body of believers and honor God.

He is a Man of Integrity

Boaz knew that there was a closer relative who had “first dibs” in redeeming Ruth (3:12-13). He took the proper steps (4:1-6) to win her hand in marriage. In fact, he couldn’t even rest until the matter was properly settled (3:18). Boaz also had witnesses (4:9) to confirm that he acted with integrity.

A modern-day Boaz:

• Does not manipulate, cheat, or lie. He has nothing to hide.
• He will not abuse you: call you names or put his hands on you ever!
• Does what is right, even when it’s hard.
• Respects the authorities in his life.
• Continually seeks the wise counsel of a more seasoned Christian man, such as a pastor or mentor, who will come alongside him, ask tough questions, hold him accountable, and encourage him in Christ-likeness.

These are some basic things to look for. God will not send you dysfunction or confusion. He will not send abuse or neglect. He will not send you selfishness or immorality. God looks at the heart and He will not send you a Boaz whose heart is not ready to be with you.(A shout goes right there!)

Happy Tuesday!! I hope this blessed you as much as it blessed me! Stay faithful!

Love, Bianca