Walk Strong or Stumble Badly - Reflections from Hosea (#20)

Whoever is wise, let him understand these things;

whoever is discerning, let him know them;

for the ways of the Lord are right,

and the upright walk in them,

but transgressors stumble in them.

[final verses of Hosea]

How could it be that a "way" commanded by the Lord could be, at the same time, life-giving to one person and yet life-draining for another?

Consider, for a moment, this "way" the Lord commands:  "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.  And, love your neighbor the way you love yourself."

Empowering and life-giving for one person.  Discouraging and disheartening for another.  Why?  How can one person live purposefully and meaningly in this directive, while another struggles and groans at the very thought of trying?

No doubt there are a host of explanations.  But perhaps it boils down to this - to whom do you entrust the "steering wheel" of your life?  Who has his hands on the "10" and "2" positions not the wheel?  Who gives you direction?  Whose coaching are you willing to not just hear, but obey?

Hosea pleads with his people.  Do the right thing!  Know the ways of the Lord; live the ways of the Lord.  Limitless favor and blessing are on that path.

Hosea also notes the foolishness of saying "No."  Those committed to steering their own life find themselves stumbling over, stumbling in, what is right.  They are routinely at odds with what should and could be happening because they are white-knuckling the wheel that should be in the hands of God.

Dr. Haddon Robinson once said, "It is always futile to keep going in the wrong path, but it is always right to turn around, head back to the fork, and start down the right one. "  

Discover the Lord's ways.  Their clearly offered in His Book which echoes with His Voice.  Enough stumbling already.  Walk upright...and in the right ways.