Welcome back to March Script-Time- If you missed Last months Wisdom and Understanding please do go back and have a read!

This month’s verses are taken from the old testament and from the book Hosea. Hosea’s, the name means salvation and he was a prophet. Hosea was a spokesperson who God had appointed to speak to the nation of Israel, encouraging them to refrain from worshipping idols, (false gods) and asking them to return to God.

Scripture

Israel, give up your idols! I will answer your prayers and take care of you.

I am that glorious tree, the source of your fruit.

If you are wise, you will know and understand what I mean.

I am the Lord, and I will lead you along the right path.

If you obey me, we will walk together but if you are wicked you will stumble.

Hosea Chapter 14 Verse 8-9, Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Reflection

By way of background, Hosea was asked by God to do something really exceptional which can be found in Hosea Chapter 1. God told Hosea to marry a woman who was going to be unfaithful to him. Hosea followed God’s instructions and what God had stated did occur.

Hosea’s wife Gomer left him. The point which God was trying to illustrate to Hosea through his wife turning his back on him for other pleasures. The book of Hosea is really interesting to read as it shows how God ultimately forgave the people of Israel much in same way Hosea forgave his wife.

I have chosen to focus on the last two verses contained the final chapter of Hosea. I am immediately drawn to the last word stumble!.

We sometimes stumble in our homes, here is an example we can relate to. It’s the middle of the night and we get up from our bed and for whatever reason and we are making our way in the darkness out of our bedroom.

We often use our hands to guide us in dark and barefooted, susceptible to treading on something which can hurt us. Sometimes we do not want to disturb other people in the house so choose not put the light on. We also don’t want to expose our eyes to the light.

In life we stumble without guidance we can often continue to walk in circles and fall into potential danger and frustration. We can stumble and fall into difficult relationships, the wrong friendships or involve ourselves in sexual relationships which may affect others or use illegal substances which may harm us.

We are all guilty of thinking we know what is best for ourselves and are stubborn in being open to receiving support and guidance. Much like the people of Hosea’s time who were worshipping false gods. This generation has a tendency to think they can do it all by themselves. Alongside being obsessed with self-adulation on social media, Or seeking answers via google or an Amazon device.

There are guidance and a helping hand available to us all! Our Heavenly Father is willing to walk alongside us. We need to turn to him. Sometimes guilt also shame and feeling we are unworthy of God’s love prevents us from seeking him. We wrongly assume that we need to be perfect before coming to Jesus. No! come as you are! There is no judgement! We perceive a light is going to point at our imperfections if we seek Christ! No, the light will guide us.

If we come to our senses from stumbling in the darkness and take the step of reaching for the guidance from our Heavenly Father there are positive things that can occur our pathways can be wider and brighter and we can also gain wisdom from the experiences which we have overcome to help others and our understanding of our true purpose.

God also declares that he will lead us on the right path. Take that step to come as you are!