Water Your Worth

“… as the Lord loves…”

A deeper appreciation of God’s love has been brought to my attention recently along with a great ponder on what it is that my own journey represents for Him and for the ones that He loves.

Being directed to go and marry a wayward woman who is not only out of step of her role as a Godly woman but a woman who has prostituted herself for “nice things”, isn’t necessarily the instructions you would expect to see a Godly man who not only follows God deeply but shares God’s words as a prophet to the nation. Hosea is a truly beautiful example of how God uses us in order to bring us closer to Him, to give an example and at the same time get people’s attention to turn to Him. So as Hosea is an obedient and trusting God fearing man he married the woman that God told him to, he loved her even though she never had eyes for him and his own children may not have even been his… he feared God and obeyed with great love as he was also learning just as he was sharing the word given to him. The icing on the cake is when Hosea had to go and purchase (yes, purchase his wife) from the slave traders because she got herself in a mess of trouble; as he buys his wife back he tells her, you will stay with me no longer sinning and I uphold you (paraphrased but sounds familiar huh? – “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”)

“The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.”” (Hosea 3:1)

Being obedient and trusting God may not always make sense but we must remember that we are part of a greater picture and it is actually a great honor for Him to choose us to represent Him, help Him, be of His service and to participate in His big big image and plans for all involved. Here is the where we need to stay strong (speaking from personal experience and I know Hosea had to experience it as well), when others chastise and try to diminish you because of your obedience to God more than what either you want to do or what might have made more sense to others… stand firm. I know what it is like to give and want love that just isn’t there and I know that I was indeed led to leave on purpose and yes there was lots of backlash and dropouts but God continues to hold my hand and lead me, showing me things that I need to see and making ways.

Hosea has been brought to my attention a lot today and I found myself asking, “What are you using me for?” As mentioned in a previous post, I know it is in mothering a child for Him but I have also started to realize that while the way we live is not what I would consider ideal He trusts me with it and is showing me so many that are broken and lost from Him. Isaiah 1:17 was brought to my attention as I pondered this which reads, “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” While I know I have responsibility in some things I also can see just how far the world has gone from this declaration from the Lord; where we are all called to tend to those that are in need there are plenty that are taking advantage of those (myself included) in need – I thank my God every day for the ways He has saved and protected us from others and given me plenty of lessons to grow with through it all and always making sure there are at least a couple of helpers along the way.

One of the most beautiful gifts we are given is the ability to read and connect with our history, to learn and live closer to Him as we do so. He loves us all just so very much – His love is not dependent on us, it just is and was before He even formed us. Doesn’t that just make you gasp with a sense of deep appreciation and awe? Wow, God…

I know most don’t like seeing these blocks but every bit of contribution helps and is being of service to a greater good. If you feel any level of support in your heart and have the ability to joyfully contribute any amount financially – it will not only be incredibly helpful but will be seen by Him as well. Thank you and God bless!