The Ways of the Lord

Those who walk in the ways of the Lord find strength and stability—while those who resist His truth will continue to stumble.

“Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but transgressors stumble in them.”—Hosea 14:9 NKJV

Putting faith into action: This is the key message of the last verse in Hosea’s book. The prophet warned that it wasn’t enough to hear prophecies or read the words of God. None of this mattered unless we put these words into practice.

Hosea said that the difference between the righteous and transgressors could be boiled down to how they react to the “ways of the LORD.” The key is obedience! Faithfulness! The only way to demonstrate we’re “righteous” is to obey God’s Word and walk in His ways.

If we find ourselves stumbling, this can be an indication that we’re not living in line with His Word. Stumbling suggests that we’re not sure or confident, or that we’re off balance, tripping, and falling.

The way to stop stumbling is to place your confidence in God, not in yourself or the world. You must trust in Him and be filled with His strength. When you humbly let Him guide you, you will receive His anointing and favor.

In the New Testament, James reached a similar conclusion when he wrote that “faith without works is useless” (James 2:20 NASB). Through faith and obedience, we receive God’s blessings.

Are you letting the world shape your thoughts or have you dedicated your life to obeying God? Remember that His ways are right, and seek to walk in them. Don’t be distracted or deceived. Commit your life to God, and put His Word into action!

Reflection Question: How can you walk more faithfully in the ways of the Lord today?