We were at the women's retreat sleepover and the girls on leadership were sharing their testimonies and one girl talked about how she had been sexually abused when she was younger and had come to find her worth and acceptance in boys and relationships and the Lord just spoke to her through Hosea to say that the things she thought she was finding in these destructive relationships were actually from the Lord, he had given her everything, perfect love and acceptance and it wasn't enough for her, she was seeking to find her identity in lovers. And it just spoke to me because I think we all do that, we go looking in other places for things that the Lord wants to extravagantly bestow us or worse we take the things that the Lord gives us and accredit the blessings to others. We throw our pearls to the pigs. We fail to see that God is enough.
"She has not acknowledged that I was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil, who lavished on her the silver and gold- which they used for Baal."And the rest of the girls shared their incredible testimonies and it was just good to be able to cry with them and to understand a little better that our hearts are something to be treasured and guarded and pursued and that our God is JEALOUS for all of the glory.
So I'm still reading Hosea, alongside Meredith, but its definitely my new favorite book (I say that about every book ;)) and I find myself once again challenged by, and in awe of, the sovereignty of our Father.
"Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her. 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." Hosea 2:14-15
It's funny I've never read Hosea (actually probably not many of the minor prophets) before. However, my friend in Denmark sent me a book by Francine Rivers for my birthday called Redeeming Love, which is a retelling of Hosea. I've not even finished the first chapter yet, but hopefully next month is a bit quieter and I'll get a chance to really get into it. However, should really read the book of Hosea itself.
ReplyDeleteMeredith was literally telling me about that book yesterday! I intend to read it as soon as she's done so next time we skype we can compare notes! haha. But I would definitely recommend reading the bible story first, it really is pretty incredible! I hear your baptism was lovely by the way, I can't wait to hear all about it!
ReplyDeleteThat's funny, now I have someone spurring me on to actually take time out and read it. I've been wondering which way round to do this, should I read Hosea first or should I read the book first? Hmmmmm. Yes, I am so glad we decided to be baptised, will tell you all about it soon.
ReplyDeleteI now have a copy of redeeming love so will be spurring you on to read it alongside me! Although i would definitely suggest reading Hosea first...in my opinion the Lord's version tends to be better haha. We must catch up, oh and I must reply to your inbox..I'll try and get onto that tomorrow!
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