Session 8

What Distracts You?

From Hosea: A 12-Day Devotional

Over several generations, the nation of Israel managed to fall from God’s favor into God’s wrath. At Mount Sinai, they promised God that they would do everything He asked and would follow His commandments (Exodus 19:5-8). But during their travels, Israelite men became distracted by the Moabite women. They joined the women in the worship of their god, the Baal of Peor, thus breaking their promise to God (Numbers 25:1-3).

We’re not that different from the Israelites. Couple our own self doubt with the promise of a good time, harmless fun, or that no one will know, and we can be just as easily enticed to sin. Over time, continual sin causes us to lose focus on God the same way Israel lost focus on God. Pretty soon, we’re doing things we said we’d never do, going places we said we’d never go and saying things we said we’d never say.

God describes His desire for His chosen people in Hosea 9:10, “When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.” Because the people of Israel were truly special to God, despite their ingratitude, he always accepted his people back into his care (Hosea 14:4).

God’s grace was abounding then and still is today. He is a loving, compassionate and forgiving God. He does not change. If you have strayed from God, be assured that His arms are opened wide welcoming you back into His care. Refocus your attention on God today. Take the first step and ask God to take control of your life.

Reflect:

• Identify the people and events in your life that have caused you to take your focus off of God.  What’s one step you can take this week to reduce these distractions?
• The Bible provides instruction that is applicable today.  What’s one thing you’ve learned while reading the Bible that has changed the way you think or act?
• God extends grace to every one of us.  Is there anything you need to take to God today?