A Plea to Repent

Open Your Bible

Hosea 14:1-9, 2 Chronicles 16:9, Psalm 52:1-9, Ephesians 2:1-10

Left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot. It was a painstaking process for our youngest daughter to navigate stairs. Her sensory issues muddled her balance, and she often stumbled and fell as she missed steps. I would stoop behind her, with my hands lightly cupping the back of her heels, helping to plant each foot firmly, step by step, as she climbed.

The book of Hosea also reveals a painstaking walk of faith. Gomer fell hard, time and time again, as she strayed from her husband and chased other lovers. Yet the prophet graciously pursued, forgave, and redeemed his adulterous wife. These marriage dynamics reflect Israel’s own rocky relationship with God. Instead of trusting the God who saved them, they sought security in foreign allegiances. Instead of worshipping the God who loved them, they fawned over false gods. Like Gomer, they lost their footing and fell hard.

How solid is our footing in our walk of faith? Hosea’s plea to Israel, “Take words of repentance with you and return to the LORD” (Hosea 14:2), speaks to me and startles me. Return to God? I didn’t even know I’d left. But, deep down I do know. Just like Gomer and Israel, I betray God again and again. I stumble and fall. Even though I believe in God and want to trust Him, I reject Him whenever I chase lesser things to satisfy my deepest desires for security, status, and stuff. 

Hosea’s call to return and repent is personal. Just this week, I’ve allowed a hidden bitterness in my heart to fester and grow. I’ve overlooked my grumbling thoughts, avoided conflict, and faked nice. Instead of admitting my sin, I’ve settled for self-pity. I’ve missed a step and stumbled into resentment as I’ve rejected God’s way of reconciliation. What’s my next step? Repentance. I can take words with me and return to the Lord. Instead of ignoring my vague sense of being off-balance, I can specifically confess my sin to Him.

We all stumble and fall in the real walk of faith. But, like my daughter on the stairs, we don’t walk alone. Left foot, right foot. We take a step forward in faith with the Lord—left foot. Yet we step into unbelief and sin, too. So, we return to God in repentance—right foot. He graciously forgives and never stops leading and loving us. This is the gift of walking by faith. “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8–9). God is always with us, helping us plant each foot firmly, step by step as we go.

(52) Comments
[x]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

52 thoughts on "A Plea to Repent"

  1. arielle buchanan says:

    Friend, people are still praying for you in your struggle. He will never forsake you.

  2. Jennifer Lumley says:

    So thankful for a good and gracious God who never leaves and always calls to us

  3. Allison Sherwood says:

    God’s gift is definitely His grace! He never needed to but always chose to!

  4. Sarah Morrison says:

    Return

  5. Brandy Peterson says:

    I am leaning in to some hard decisions and hard conversations. I am trying to walk out obedience and will spend some time today in prayer and repentance. Then I will have some necessary conversations.

  6. Virginia says:

    Oh, how beautiful! Yes. This is all of us, yet God is so good and so gracious.

  7. Karen Roper says:

    Amen

  8. Sky Hilton says:

    I thinks it’s amazing how God considers us His workmanship. I once thought that God would never see me that way. And I really do think it’s beautiful how God wants us to repent, so He can spend time with us in heaven forever. After all we did, killed His son, disobeyed Him, turned His back on Him, He is still loving us through all of it. Ans still waiting for us to come back to Him, where we all belong, to repent. Repenting, and coming back to Him is the best choice we can ever make in our lives ❤️

  9. Rhonda J. says:

    Since this is the end to this wonderful study of Hosea, I thought I would throw out there that I started reading the book Redeeming Love! The author was on the first podcast I believe, so it intrigued me and I think someone here also mentioned the book in the last study! It is loosely based on Hosea, and how he takes the prostitute bride. I read often so thought this would be good. Thank you for all the comments, wisdom, and love throughout all these studies we do here daily together! Such a great community to grow and learn together God’s word!
    Oh- I also have a problem with mindless shopping and buying! I definitely have cut this bad habit down and try to live more minimalistic, but I still find myself going through stores just to browse and “waste time” rather than doing good for others or for God! So include me in those prayers. I have done way better not being on social media time-wasting but in the word which is amazing spiritually! I am still wanting to seek a home church in my new area, and praying that my husband will be a little more anxious to join me in the hunt! Thank you! Have a nice wkd everyone.

  10. Kristen St. Aubin says:

    “Instead of admitting my sin, I’ve settled for self-pity”
    Wow did these words jump right out at me! I find myself in this moment just about every day. Maybe even a couple times a day. This study of Hosea has been beautiful! Heart wrenching, but beautiful.

  11. Kristen St. Aubin says:

    “Instead of admitting my sin, I’ve settled for self-pity” these words jumped right out at me.

  12. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I love that God is constant; in this life where so many things can change in a moment’s notice, God is faithful. Happy Friday sisters!❤️

  13. K Swenson says:

    Remember and return…it sounds so simple, yet we make it so complex! It feels so complex. Realizing today that I can run from the Lord regarding my PTSD. I don’t trust Him to heal me because I’ve been to such dark places. But I have to remember the way the Lord has shown up in these and other situations and trust His story. I would appreciate prayer as I walk this path!

  14. K Swenson says:

    Praise God! Thank you for sharing this good news!

  15. NanaK says:

    I have gleaned so much more from this Bible study than I could have imagined! I’ve been away doing Disaster Relief in Louisiana for the first part and have been trying to catch up since I got home. Thank you SRT for the podcasts! As with so many of our studies, it all comes back to “God’s faithful love is constant.” Ps 52:1
    Praying for all of you dear Sisters! May we all feel the true joy that comes from knowing, “ You (we) are saved by grace!”

  16. PamC says:

    Thank you Patti for such a wonderful commentary today. It was pure balm to my heart. And thank you SRT for another wonderful study. This has been incredibly enlightening.
    Melissa & Gwendolyn I’ll be joining in this prayer circle, if I may, because I too find shopping to be my go to when stress storms in. Now I’m buried in clothes & stuff that NEED to find new homes. I really want to live simply loving my Jesus, my family.
    Blessed weekend to all y’all.

  17. Traci Gendron says:

    What a study! First time I listened to the podcast and what a difference it made for me. I’m so thankful for SRT! Patti Sauls visual of left foot, right foot, was so helpful. I feel that everyday. I start out on my right and switch to my left. I pray to stay in God’s presence throughout the day. I have made some changes. Listening to christian music in my car. I have an amazing view that I thank God for everyday. It is magnificent and I know that God created it all. So so thankful.
    MAURA – I would like that very much! How about a Saturday. It has been so cold in the mornings. I’m in Fort Collins. Let me know how you’d like to connect on meeting. I have been praying for christian women to come into my life. God is good! I’m so happy that you were left with some much needed items. What a blessing!
    FOSTER MAMA – I pray for a relaxing & restorative time with your sister and mama.
    BRIANNA – Oh the fear you must have experienced. Thankful your baby girl was okay.
    TAYLOR – your words are appreciated.
    MELISSA – God over stuff! I needed to hear that. We just refurnished our home and it became such a chore. I’m ready to just sit with God. To not hold onto stuff. To know it can all go away in an instant. I’m in prayer with you on this.
    DOROTHY – I pray that God will heal your family ties.
    LADIES – I pray for all of you!

  18. Victoria E says:

    Melissa I often turn to shopping as a respite from my anxiety and worrying ! Thank you for praying for us. Foster Mama how wonderful you get to have this day of relaxing with your family! I will pray for you all.

  19. Dorothy says:

    Patti’s words are what I needed to hear today. I’ve been struggling on whether to ask my sister how my nephew’s court date went or not. I reach out to her but not like I should. I’m concerned if I say too much she will stop talking to me. I did find out she is still talking to my eldest brother, I thank God every day for that.
    I’m not perfect and I don’t claim to be. I ask the Lord to help with my struggles and to help my family to become whole again.
    Sisters, be blessed, rejoice in the Lord and have wonderful weekend.

  20. Victoria E says:

    Thank God Briana that your daughter is safe !

  21. Maura says:

    Sweet Sweet Sisters, what joy all your comments of praising with me and prayer for me settling in. I won’t move in until the later part of the month. But God is also gifting me with many things. The people leaving were renting for a short time and because they had come from a big house and are downsizing are leaving an entire bedroom set, a dryer and a lawnmower. I am overwhelmed with the way He is gifting me and so, so thankful. He is so able and so faithful. Brenda, praising God for His protection of your baby girl. Hug her tight. Praise Jesus.
    Linda K, praising God for your vision and for all He helps us to see.
    Traci G – I am in Northern Colorado to, we should pick a coffee shop and meet, might have to be early morning before work, or a Saturday. Would be awesome, to meet you and talk in person. SRT Sisters, how fun it would be to sip tea with all of you, someday in Glory, we will sing praises together to our Mighty Savior. Mari V I was picturing you with your pink cast and knee scooter and asking God to bless you in this time, with strength for your other leg and healing and joy for your sweet heart. Taylor, praying for you too, I feel your faith in your comments. I have been making an effort, for a few days now to go to the things I have that point to Jesus in my down time, instead of relaxing with a tv show, and it is helping me to stay my mind on the Lord, pray I can keep doing so, for that is where our rest is found. Reading all the comments here in the evening really blesses me. Foster Mama, praying for your time to be His joy, peace and love for each of you. Victoria E – praying for you and your little. He is able to do more than I ask. This He has proved time and again, I am reminding myself when I feel any worry come, I must remember this, our God is GOOD Have to go to work, but thank you SRT for the message today. He draws us to Himself, loves us that much, even when we fall, there is always much to learn in humility in the arms of Jesus. Thank you Sisters.

  22. Mari V says:

    Ironically this is exactly how I’ve been living the past three weeks. Left foot. Right foot as I maneuvered in a very heavy splint and now a much lighter cast (pink w/sparkles). Taking those steps of doing life one-step-at-a-time trusting that my God knows what’s best, and sees ahead of me protecting me and keeping me safe. Happy Friday my sweet SRT sisters!

  23. Mari V says:

    I’ve been thinking a lot about this. I just want to say this morning. Churchmouse, we miss you! I pray for you all the time. I hope you are doing well.

  24. Gloria says:

    It affirmed to me in the study this morning how gracious is the love of God. Yesterday God said he would tear up like a lion because of their sin. But the moment they turn to God, promising their devotion to Him, He pours promises and blessings on them. Yesterday, as many days go, i got a rush of disturbing condemning thoughts that hit me like a semi truck. I was outside when it happened. My head turned upwards as if on its own. “Look at the beautiful blue sky”, i heard coming from the secret voice inside of me i know to be God. I was touched and in awe, that God would care more about my mental state at present then the mistakes I’ve made. I continued to walk in awe of my God. Words can not express my gratitude for His goodness.

  25. Jessica Chipepo says:

    As a mother that is the worst feeling. So glad your baby was protect and kept safe! Praise God!

  26. Cindy Hanna says:

    ❤️ Going back to listen to both podcasts on Hosea. Want to cement this study into my heart. God’s love relentlessly pursuing me and offering mercy.

    1. Chris Swan says:

      Great idea!

  27. Jessi S says:

    Briana, I know that feeling and my heart goes out to you. Im so glad there was a happy ending. Hugs to you and your daughter!

  28. ERB says:

    KELLY, thank you for sharing! The same things that stood out to you stood out to me!!! Remember and Return. SO good!!! Have an amazingly blessed day!!!

    Much love, prayers and blessings over ALL of you wonderful sisters!!

  29. Briana Bennett says:

    Yesterday my 21 month old daughter somehow made it out to our pool. I was in the laundry room doing the endless laundry that comes from having 3 kids.. she passed through several safety measures we set up and was on the pool deck..her and my 70 pound dog rhat frequently knocks her over by accident..for about 5 minutes. When i ran out frantically calling her name expecting the worst, she came running to me…her pants legs were wet up to her knees. Gods eyes roam to and fro, and yesterday they landed on my precious baby and he strongly supported her. I praise his mighty name today for protecting my baby. His loving hand held her safe. No words can convey the gratitude i have in my heart.

  30. Ariel R says:

    I loved verse 7 from today’s reading – “The people will return and live beneath his shade. They will grow grain and blossom like the vine.” What lovely promises from God!

  31. Abigail Berger says:

    .

  32. Lisa Nelson says:

    9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.” – 2 Chronicles 16:9

  33. Foster Mama says:

    I have a very different prayer request this morning: My sister,and mother have each been under tremendous stress lately (and my heart is still mending in this period of waiting) so I am taking them and 2 cousins away for a special day of relaxing, and fellowship, etc…(it’s been AGES!!!!)
    Please pray that we have some good bonding, healing and unabashed joy!
    Thanks

  34. Lisa Nelson says:

    This verse was very comforting and convicting! Oh how we are loved! 9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.” – 2 Chronicles 16:9

  35. Rachael says:

    This just really spoke to me this morning….

    Ephesians 2:1-10

    We were DEAD in our sin…..BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy……made us ALIVE in CHRIST…..saved by GRACE.

    AMEN!!

    We are seated with Him.
    We are co-heirs, sons and daughters.

    AMEN!!!

    SAVED by GRACE thru FAITH, not in works.
    We can’t do enough to deserve this gift…. but we don’t have to do ANYTHING but turn to HIM and have faith and believe.

    AMEN!!!

  36. Chris Swan says:

    Beautiful study! Lord forgive my “selfness”. I praise you for your forever love!

  37. Taylor says:

    Step by step He walks with us. We never walk alone! Such encouraging words this morning thank you Patti Sauls! Another great study with SRT in the books! I’m so thankful for this community and the way we all encourage and pray for one another <3 I hope everyone has a blessed weekend!

  38. Aimee DiCicco-Ruhl says:

    Thank you for your mercy and grace Lord! Amen

  39. Sissy M says:

    ❤️

  40. Melissa says:

    Happy Friday, friends ❤️

    I feel so convicted this week at the sin I continually turn to, the idol I turn to over God – shopping, or just material things in general. Please pray I would seek God over stuff.

    I have prayed about this heart issue for years. I’m thankful the Lord continues to speak into my heart about it. I continue to fail, so I pray I let Him do the work and stop relying on my own weak efforts. For anyone else who struggles with wanting material things, I’m praying for you too.

    1. Gwendolyn Vincent says:

      Melissa, I share this prayer with you. This is a continuous struggle for me as well. I pray God’s guidance for us both. ❤

  41. Debbie PursuedbyHim says:

    So glad God is always there, and that it is through His mercy that I am saved…not by my doing (because I mess up allot)! Lord, help me to focus on you and what you have done for me! Amen.

  42. Melanie says:

    Beautiful

  43. Elaine Morgan says:

    ❤️ He is always there to pick me up when I stumble. How can I not adore Him?

  44. Debra Greene says:

    Thank you Jesus!

  45. Kelly says:

    MAURA & LINDA K – Rejoicing with you!

    SYDNEY S – Stay in the “fight.” Satan would love for you to stop reading the Bible when it is not easy. 2 Timothy 3:16. Remember that in Christ we are under grace. Understanding the holiness of God and His anger about Israel’s unfaithfulness gives us more reasons to be thankful for His mercy in sending His Son.

    Loved this:
    “Let whoever is wise understand these things, and whoever is insightful recognize them. For the ways of the Lord are right, and the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.”

    What is so amazing is that it is the Lord who gives us this wisdom. He is ready to give more wisdom if we would ask.

    Also “God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace!”

    REMEMBER AND RETURN ❤

  46. Niki Edwards says:

    I’m so glad God doesn’t give up. I fall and need to repent more often than I’d like to admit or do. God’s grace astounds me!

  47. RAINS says:

    THANK YOU JESUS THAT YOU WALK STEP BY STEP WITH ME IN MY WALK OF FAITH!!!!

  48. Mary Ann Graves says:

    I am so glad that when I stumble God is there to help me.

  49. Carol Rimmer says:

    Amen.