The Door of Hope

In the middle of the lesson concerning His steadfast love for us through the example of Hosea and his prostitute wife, Gomer, God also provided us with one of the most beautiful promises in Scripture, “I will give her [Israel]…the Valley of Achor as a door of hope.” (Hosea 2:15 NKJV)

The Valley of Achor is where, centuries before, Achan and his followers were put to death because of their rebellion (Joshua 7:24-26). The word “Achor” literally means “trouble”. This place brought painful memories for Israel. But God says He will transform the “Valley of Trouble” into “a door of hope”.
 
His promise? In His hands, places of desolation and difficult memories like Achor can become places of hope. He is still a God who can "give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" (Isaiah 61:3 NKJV)
If you are in a valley of trouble today, keep looking. The door is opening!

Duke Stone
After 40 years in full-time ministry, I try to see how the little things in life speak big things about God. This blog is an attempt to share with you the many ways I see the love of God in the ordinary things of life.