#soap # Hosea 05 ## Title: The Value of Hard Times ## Scripture: (Hosea 5:15) “Then I will return again to my lair until they have suffered their punishment. Then they will seek me; in their distress they will earnestly seek me.” (NET) ## Observation: I heard someone say the quickest way to find out what matters most in life is to find out you are dying. No one on their deathbed is confused about their priorities. I have had the privilege of sitting with people who were staring at their own mortality. Not one of them has ever told me they wished they knew what mattered. Instead, they are telling me how they are getting their affairs in order, contacting people, and making sure their life is right with God. The value of hard times is that it quickly separates what matters from what does not. Is it possible that the Lord does not always shield us from bad times because it offers us the chance to filter out all the junk? Bad times produce necessary filters so we can quickly discover what matters most. ## Application: Take a moment and imagine you were facing a terminal illness. What immediately comes to mind that needs your attention? Do something about it today. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for using ALL things for our good.