Unorthodox Decision-Making
When the Lord began to speak through Hosea, the Lord said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the Lord.” So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son. (Hosea 1:2-3)
It’s one thing to say that we should be open to God speaking and moving in unorthodox ways, but it’s another thing to live it. Hosea, the prophet of God, the man of God, had to be embarrassed when his relationship and marriage fell outside the norms of society.
Can you imagine the conversation when Hosea sat down with his parents to tell them about his new bride? Can you imagine the conversation when he told his boys about his new boo thang, and had to learn that several of them had used her services? Talk about embarrassment. Talk about shame. Talk about the feeling of failure as you have to walk around every day carrying the weight of a life that’s not approved by the public.
But maybe that’s just the point; that God wants us to reach a point in our relationship with Him where we are willing to be disapproved by people if it means being approved by God.
Paul has encouragement to offer us on this topic in the book of Galatians when he wrote, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)
Our goal as followers of Christ should be to honor Him with our decision making, not appease the people around us. We might not always make a decision that’s considered popular among our peers; but if it’s a decision the Lord is leading us to make, then we must be confident as we obey and follow Him.
It’s one thing to say that we should be open to God speaking and moving in unorthodox ways, but it’s another thing to live it. Hosea, the prophet of God, the man of God, had to be embarrassed when his relationship and marriage fell outside the norms of society.
Can you imagine the conversation when Hosea sat down with his parents to tell them about his new bride? Can you imagine the conversation when he told his boys about his new boo thang, and had to learn that several of them had used her services? Talk about embarrassment. Talk about shame. Talk about the feeling of failure as you have to walk around every day carrying the weight of a life that’s not approved by the public.
But maybe that’s just the point; that God wants us to reach a point in our relationship with Him where we are willing to be disapproved by people if it means being approved by God.
Paul has encouragement to offer us on this topic in the book of Galatians when he wrote, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)
Our goal as followers of Christ should be to honor Him with our decision making, not appease the people around us. We might not always make a decision that’s considered popular among our peers; but if it’s a decision the Lord is leading us to make, then we must be confident as we obey and follow Him.
Subscribe Now for Free Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
February
Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
March
Cleansing Body, Mind, and SpiritDetoxifying the MindDetoxifying for Spiritual EmpowermentThe Promise of God's PresenceWalking Purely Under God's ProtectionEmbracing God's Promise of RedemptionEmbracing God's Promise of ReconciliationThe Blessing of God's Adoption and ProvisionGod Desires RelationshipGod's Unconditional LoveGod's Gift of GraceNot OptionalPromises for the ChosenVIP Status in the KingdomThe Necessity of Cleansing for Kingdom CitizensThe Power WithinFinding Peace Beyond the PastHealing WoundsCleansing the TempleUnpacking the Trauma WithinHealing from WithinThe Promise of HealingBeyond the MindFinding Safety in Your BodyThe Power of a WishThe Ultimate WishBeyond Religious PerformanceBeyond Personal AchievementTrue Gain in Knowing ChristKnowing Christ DeeplyThe Power of His Resurrection
No Comments