God's plan would not fit the seemingly obvious ideal of man. Paul uses the example in Hosea to demonstrate this concept, not that he was referring to the Gentiles, but that all was based on God's plan of mercy: those not known for being 'loved' of God would be loved. God's working and 'success' is not based upon numbers and predictable results(as man, by his nature, sees success). Many might consider the 'promises and word' of God as having failed because of the 'poor' response from Israel. But, as clarified here, was God's plan all along, a remnant would be saved from the people of Israel and an open door would then be opened for the Gentiles to enter. Christ is the corner stone of God's work, not ours. The ultimate goal of maturity is that of gratefulness, dependence, and obedience.