Tuesday, May 6, 2008

A Door of Hope





Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her.Hosea 2:14


I'm not feeling so great today and was not planning on on doing a post. I thought however I'd just see what today's quote was, and oh my, was I ever tagged by the Lord!

The first thought that came to my mind as I read this powerful scripture was a quote by C.S. Lewis, that I'm sure most of us have experienced in our lives. He wrote,

"God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts to us in our pain..."

There is no greater love story in history then that of Hosea and his adulterous bride Gomer. It was an allegory to show how much God loved Israel, and that she was the apple of His eye. His love knew no bounds, and he continually reached out for her even when she was unfaithful to Him.

I can't read this story without feeling the immense love of God, and a heartfelt gratitude that can not be written in mere words. How many times have I run away and disobeyed Him, yet His love
would not let me go...
.
I'm so blessed that God cares enough to draw me away from this world, and get my attention fully on Him. Just like a stubborn, strong-willed kid, I need God's loving discipline for correction and direction in my life. David wrote in PS. 94:12,”Blessed is the man you discipline, O LORD, the man you teach from your law..."

In Hebrews 12:15-16 it says, "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”

I love how this passage in Hosea continues with a beautiful promise from God when He said in verse 15,

“ There I will give her back her vineyards, and will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. There she will sing as in the days of her youth, as in the day she came up out of Egypt.”


Yes, this is what follows after God lures us away by His love. It is true that He will speak to us, correct and discipline us, but in the end He will reward us with blessings and hope.

For 400 years there was a dark silence. The prophet Malachi wrote the last words between God and Israel and books were closed. But then the silence broke on that glorious day when the angels heralded the birth of the Lord Jesus. There was an announcement that a new door of HOPE would be opened to the whole world. Jesus confirmed He was the fulfillment of the promise made in Hosea when he declared, “I AM THE DOOR!”

God is ready to break the silence in your life. If you are in a season of being lured away, don't resist. God is always calling us to come closer. He has something wonderful to give us if we will only yield to His call, and not resist His loving discipline. Just listen for His tender voice speaking to you in your desert, and surrender your whole heart to Him today.

Join us over at Titus 2 Women today!

14 comments:

Autumn E. Keel said...

What a beautiful post! I really enjoyed reading it!
Thank you for sharing it with us!

In Christ,
Audie

Denise said...

I love this post, so precious.

Sheryl said...

Wow, that was great! The story of Hosea and Gomer is one of my all time favorites. Your words were meant for me today.

Praying you'll feel better,
Sheryl

Heather said...

Hey fellow Cafe sister -
"I am the Door!" ooooh, that gave me chills. The Door of Hope. Awesome - I never thought of it that way before.

lori said...

Susan....
You have a gift girlfriend! You speak to me daily!! I too am blessed that our virtual paths have crossed!:)

You know I wrote about the tantrum throwing child who turns away, having raised those boys you know all to well what it's like to have someone kick and scream all the while knowing "it's for your own good." How God must laugh at us, and our resistance and cry when we turn away....and wait in hope and rejoice when we FINALLY see the light!

Wonderful words....as always!
YOU are the encourager, and you are my "virtual mentor!!"
HUGS!
lori

Stephanie said...

Susan,
Your post taught me a lot today! Thanks for sharing.

Your comment about forgiveness on my post really opened my eyes. To forgive something like that on the spot seems inconceivable to me. Wow! Your mom is really amazing! Thanks for the prayers for my friend's family.

Shari said...

Well, I'm so glad that you decided to do this post. I struggled with understanding chapter 2 of Hosea. I didn't even realize that it was an allegory. One sermon that I listened to talked mostly about the Gomer part and one commentary was only about the Israel part. So your post has been helpful to me. You write beautifully.

Masquerading Mom said...

Susan,

I love the quote from C.S. Lewis that you mentioned. It is so comforting to know that God will not ever let us go. I am thankful that He has taught us to forgive through the example of His own limitless forgiveness of our sins.

What a necessary and upliftiing post that was!

Blessings,

Di Di

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

WOW..did I have the Holy Ghost bumps as I read your post.

What a powerful story to absorb, and take in...and just think....Jesus offers the SAME to us!!! PTL.

Praying you feel better my friend.

Kim~

luvmy4sons said...

Amen...and Amen! Awesome! Praise God for the Door, the Way, the Truth, and the Life that is Jesus!

Miriam Pauline said...

This was an incredible blessing. Thank you!

Susannah said...

As usual, a very meaningful post. You have the Truth, and you share it well. (I can't imagine that you would run from Jesus like Gomer ran from Hosea, though.)

I'm sorry to hear you're not feeling well, Susan. Your health continues to challenge you? You've had so much to deal with lately... your son's hospital visit, another one away overseas. I hope you can find some time to rest, relax, and be enveloped in the Lord's peace.

Thank you for your encouragement even in the midst of your own suffering.

You're such a blessing!

(((Hugs)))

e-Mom

Vintage Whimsy Studio said...

Hi Susan - thanks for stopping by my blog. you always seem to have a word of encouragement for others, even in the midst of your own struggles. Thanks for sharing from your heart! Nina

Autumn said...

It seems this verse has touched many hearts this week ~ a God-inspired choice! I enjoyed reading your hopeful "in other words"
Thanks for your visit to my blog :)
AutumnRose xx