Encouragement for Today
 |
April 4, 2025 When the Winds of Life Swirl, Do This |
“Their mother has been unfaithful … She said, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me my food and my water, my wool and my linen, my olive oil and my drink.’” Hosea 2:5 (NIV)
Several years ago, on live TV, I watched a man who dared to cross a gorge thousands of feet deep … on a tightrope … without a net.
Of course, the man had prepared for this event. He was, in fact, a professional tightrope walker. Still, his quest was dangerous and would've had real, irreversible consequences had it gone wrong.
In today’s key verse, we encounter God’s people facing the real, irreversible consequences that came with veering off the path of God’s unconditional love. In the book of Hosea, God instructed the prophet Hosea to marry an unfaithful woman. This marriage then served to represent Israel’s unfaithful relationship with God. Hosea spoke of his wife, symbolic of Israel, in our key verse:
“Their mother has been unfaithful … She said, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me my food and my water, my wool and my linen, my olive oil and my drink’” (Hosea 2:5).
Hosea cited food, water, clothing and drink as the things God’s people looked to gain from other gods. Israel had stopped listening to the loving voice of their Father and found themselves hedged in, held back and headed for disaster (Hosea 2:1-13).
When I read verses like this, I wonder how God’s people could have drifted so far from the path. I certainly want to avoid the same outcome! I think we can find an answer to this question back on the tightrope …
As the man took one calculated step at a time, the wind blew — sometimes so hard he had to squat down and wait for the gusts to calm. Despite my doubts, he made it across, and I believe there was one crucial thing that allowed him to stay the course safely and successfully.
As he traversed the gorge, his father spoke into a microphone linked to an earpiece his son was wearing. The father encouraged, supported and guided him along his way. As the father talked, the son walked.
If only we will choose to hear our heavenly Father's voice and follow Him (Hebrews 3:15; Matthew 13:15)! When we desire protection, provision or peace, the Bible assures us that in Christ, we have all we need (2 Peter 1:3). Jesus is the Bread of Life and the Living Water (John 6:35; John 4:10-14). He urges us not to worry about our lives but to count on His perfect provision (Matthew 6:25-26).
Often we may be inclined to silence God’s voice and go our own way. But today, let’s stay alert to His calling. When the winds of life blow, may we remember what Christ has already secured for us and choose to trust, listen to and follow Him, one step at a time.
Dear heavenly Father, I am overwhelmed to know that You desire to talk to me. Forgive me for looking anywhere else to satisfy my needs. When the winds of life swirl, help me turn to You today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
If today’s devotion touched your heart, our upcoming Hosea study — also written by Katy McCown — is the perfect way to continue your Bible study. In Hosea, we discover that God loves us too much to let us remain lost, and even when we stray, His invitation to return is ever-present. With this study, you’ll experience a love that meets you exactly where you are, transforms every detour into grace, and reminds you that no distance is ever too far from His embrace. Ready to dive deeper into a love that truly changes everything? Join us for Unconditional: A Study of God’s Never-Ending Love for Us Through the Book of Hosea, and order your study guide today.
ENGAGE
When life’s uncertainties surround us, it can be easy to react in fear instead of faith. Katy McCown would love to give you a free gift to help you trade fear of the future for purpose in the present. Click here for your free download of "7 Prayers to Help You Smile without Fear."
FOR DEEPER STUDY
Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (ESV).
What’s one thing you’re inclined to turn to when you feel the winds of life begin to blow?
How can you practically silence the voices of other things to hear the voice of the Lord more clearly? Share with us in the comments!
© 2025 by Katy McCown. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org