You Want Me to Do WHAT?

Have you ever been asked to do something that made no sense at all? Has God ever told you something He wants you to do, but you can't believe He would ask such a thing of you? No doubt Hosea questioned God's commands when it came to his wife and his marriage.

If you're not familiar with Hosea's story, it begins with God telling him to "Go, take yourself an adulterous wife..." (Hosea 1:2) Now, that's not the best marital advice to be giving young people today, but as usual, God had a purpose and a plan. There's several thoughts on why God asked Hosea to seek out a woman who he knew would be unfaithful to him. First, it would help Hosea understand God's anguish. God's "bride", the Israelites, had become unfaithful and adulterous toward Him and it was breaking His heart. Secondly, Hosea's marriage would provide a real-life example of God's marriage to Israel. Hosea was a prophet and his job was to communicate God's unconditional love to the Israelites. With God's power, Hosea was able to show that same kind of love to his unfaithful wife, Gomer, and people took notice.

Has God ever asked you to do something that was painful or uncomfortable? Do you ever think it could be for the purpose of being a real-life example for people to see Him at work in your own life? People are drawn to people who know where they are coming from. We tend to trust people's advice when we know they have experienced the same thing we are struggling with. Next time you question something God is asking you to do, stop and think about the people your discomfort may encourage.

Not only did Hosea show God's unconditional love, he was also asked to show God's unfathomable forgiveness. In Hosea 3: 1, God gives Hosea another command - "Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods...."

As Believers, we have experienced God's unfathomable forgiveness in our own lives! But are we just as willing to show it to others? Luke 12: 48 reminds us that "From everyone who has been given much (forgiveness, etc.) much will be demanded/required..." Although hurting and with an aching heart, Hosea had to chose to reclaim his wayward wife, just as we must chose to reclaim broken relationships in our own life. Grab a hold of God's power and like Hosea, make the choice to do the unthinkable - forgive those who have hurt and betrayed you. Don't let bitterness take the place of unconditional love. Don't let anger and the thoughts of revenge, over-rule God's desire for us to live at peace with one another. It's not worth the energy it takes to hate!

Like Hosea, God wants us to show others unconditional love and unfathomable forgiveness. He may be asking you to do some pretty strange things in order for these to be shown, but consider it a vote of confidence from Him! As with Hosea, He will give you the power and ability to do the unthinkable. Are you up for the challenge?

BLOG COMMENT: Can you relate to Hosea in any way? Has God ever asked you to do something completely opposite of what you had in mind? Share with us what you learned and how your obedience impacted others.....