This morning, when reading the book of Hosea, several verses particularly spoke to my heart:
"Come, let us return to the LORD. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us . . ." (Hosea 6:1)
This verse shares that the Lord, while He does discipline, will also heal and bandage. The discipline can be considered to be parallel to gold being refined in the fire - in that it is for our good so that we may come forth pure with the dross being removed. It is because of the discipline that we can draw nearer to our Father.
" 'My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him; for those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives.' It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? . . . For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness." (Hebrews 12:5-7, 10)
Returning to Hosea:
". . . So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth." (Hosea 6:3)
This verse is especially comforting! Our Lord will come to us like the rain, the spring rain that waters the earth and brings forth refreshment and growth. This growth is much the same as that which was referred to in the verses from Hebrews: "that we may share His holiness"; that we may grow to be "like the Holy One who called [us]" (1 Peter 1:15.) This verse from Hosea shows so clearly the great love that the Lord has for us His children!
-Posted by Sarah
I am so glad I found this blog!!! Thank you so much for starting it! Every young woman needs encouragement from others like her. I have very much enjoyed what I have read so far. Thank you! I look forward to coming in the future.
ReplyDeleteSarah, that is one of my favorite verses!(Thank you for sharing it) It is so very comforting to know that though it hurts He, our Lord, will heal us! I can't tell you how much that verse makes me want to cry! It is so beautiful! We do not deserve his faithful and loving work in our lives! Nor do we deserve his ever patient care! Thank the Lord for His Word, which always comforts and encourages us!
ReplyDeleteThank you again, so much for sharing, dear sister!
Hugs!
Welcome to our blog, Bria! :) And thank you so much for your encouraging words. What a blessing they were to us!
ReplyDeleteYou’re welcome, Ashley! :) Thank you so much for all that you shared! It was such a blessing and encouragement to us. Thank you!
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