December 5: How Purpose Makes the Difficult Easier

Hosea 1:1-3:5

1 John 5:1-21

Psalm 124:1-8

Proverbs 29:5-8

Hosea's life was tough.  It's unlikely he was an evil man, or he would not have been so close to God as to hear Him.  And yet, despite his earthly goodness, God called him to a pretty difficult life.  God told him to marry a woman who was going to cheat on him, and bear children not his own.  And God told him to love her, even during her infidelity.  

As difficult as all that was, Hosea obeyed.  He lived what John wrote in today's NT reading: "In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands."  Hosea, by his obedience, seemed to be praying that part of the Lord's prayer: "Thy will be done".  Obedience to God seemed to be his desire, his purpose.  

And as puzzling as all those commands might have been, God had a purpose, rooted in love - not just for Hosea, but for all of Israel - indeed, for all of us today: to remind us that we have sinned, to remind us of His unfailing love despite our sinfulness, and too all us back to holiness and to Him.  What a privilege Hosea enjoyed being an instrument of God's purpose because of his obedience.  

I find this comforting to remember when I am struggling with some aspect of my life.  When I get frustrated with my circumstances, it is comforting to know God has a purpose, and encouraging to be reminded that my purpose should be to obey Him.  And from there, it is humbling and gratifying to realize I am an instrument in the plans of the Almighty.  When I get to that point, the burdens I am privileged to bear because God has chosen them for me become easier to carry.  Not lighter, mind you - just easier to carry.  

Father, teach us acknowledge Your authority in all things and in all circumstances.  Teach us to obey You in all things, seeking only to be an instrument for Your purposes.  And when we do, help us carry the burdens You lay on our shoulders more easily, knowing we are doing Your will.