A few weeks ago, I was out of commission. If anyone reads my health blog may gain a better understanding. I have injuries that rendered me stuck in bed for a week. Despite the mostly happy attitude that I mostly project, this is not always the case. I have been struggling to come to terms with what has been happening to me and I had built a wall between myself and God.
I am unsure of what God's purpose is for me to share this. I've felt drawn to the book of Hosea. Hosea was a prophet who was commanded by God to marry a prostitute as their marriage was an illustration of the relationship between God and Israel; God's faithfulness and Israel's unfaithfulness. The reason I felt drawn to Hosea was because I felt like that unfaithful wife; I had placed other things in my life above God and not addressing my issues, my injuries kept me from God. I kept focusing on the bad stuff. All I saw was my unfaithfulness and what I perceived as God's judgement over my life.
I missed the redemption part of Hosea, which by the grace of God I have through Jesus. My injuries are still present and whilst I don't doubt that God can heal or give me the strength that I need to continue, I have learnt as Job did Job 42:1-6 Then Job replied to the Lord:“I know that you can do all things no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge? Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
I am unsure of what God's purpose is for me to share this. I've felt drawn to the book of Hosea. Hosea was a prophet who was commanded by God to marry a prostitute as their marriage was an illustration of the relationship between God and Israel; God's faithfulness and Israel's unfaithfulness. The reason I felt drawn to Hosea was because I felt like that unfaithful wife; I had placed other things in my life above God and not addressing my issues, my injuries kept me from God. I kept focusing on the bad stuff. All I saw was my unfaithfulness and what I perceived as God's judgement over my life.
Gomer (Hosea's wife) chased after men, just as Israel went after false gods; serving Baal and many others. God stripped them of their possesions Hos 4:1-2, 18-19 Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites, because the Lord has a charge
to bring against you who live in the land:
“There is no faithfulness,
no love, no acknowledgment
of God in the land. There
is only cursing,
lying
and murder, stealing and adultery; they break all
bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed. Even when their drinks are gone, they
continue their prostitution; their rulers dearly love shameful ways. A whirlwind
will sweep them away, and their sacrifices will bring them shame.
I missed the redemption part of Hosea, which by the grace of God I have through Jesus. My injuries are still present and whilst I don't doubt that God can heal or give me the strength that I need to continue, I have learnt as Job did Job 42:1-6 Then Job replied to the Lord:“I know that you can do all things no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge? Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
So, God has given me perspective and peace, despite the ills my body is still in. If you're struggling with anything, I encourage you to spend time in prayer and seek God, because He can give you His spirit of peace. I also encourage if you are deep in sin and have built a wall between yourself and God to seek assistance, prayer and repentance. Turn to God's Word for His love and encouragement.
