Resources/Articles
Learning to Walk
I taught Ephraim to walk,
taking them by their arms.
Hosea 11:3
Parents remember the days when their children first learn to walk. They first showed their readiness by pulling themselves up and taking a shaky step or two. Parents would reach out their hands and encourage them to walk toward them. You held them up by their hands or by the suspenders on their overalls. You praised every effort and encouraged every attempt. You never grew discouraged. You did not give up until they learned to walk.
Our God is the same way. He “taught [Israel] to walk” (Hosea 11:3). God took His children “by their arms” and “drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love” (vv.3-4).
God stands before us with outstretched arms, encouraging us toward holiness. He is eager to catch us when we stumble. He picks us up when we fall. He is never discouraged with our progress, nor will He ever give up. The more difficult we find the process, the more care and kindness He shows.
George MacDonald put it this way: “God will help us when we cannot walk, and He will help us when we find it hard to walk, but He cannot help us if we will not walk.” Even though you fall, you must try again. Our Father wants to hold you by the hand. One thing for sure, you cannot run the race until you learn to walk (Hebrews 12:1,2).
