A New Heart

“I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 11:19, NIV

Jill was coming home from work when she noticed a letter from her car dealership. She opened it to discover there was a recall on the make and model of her vehicle. The brakes had failed in several minivans like hers resulting in injuries and deaths.

Bright and early the next morning, Jill arranged to take her van to the dealership. She was relieved that though she’d been at risk, no harm had come to her family.

When the job was done, Jill picked up her vehicle. Her faulty brake system had been replaced and she could breathe easier now.

Just like vehicle parts need to be replaced when they’re faulty, so does the human heart. God specializes in heart transplants for those who have a “heart of stone”. Using the gift of repentance, He calls His wayward child home offering a “heart of flesh” that’s yielded to the Holy Spirit.

God, when my heart is stony, please replace it. Don’t let me become bitter and hard. Break me down in repentance and give me a supernatural heart transplant. You’re the only One who can do this. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Red Sea Faith

 “As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord.” – Exodus 14:10, NIV

The Israelites had been freed from Egyptian captivity after four hundred years. God had done a series of miracles to set them free. Now, they were journeying away from everything they’d known.

For the first few miles, the journey must have felt exciting. But as the hours passed, doubts crept in. Where would they go? How were they going to survive the harsh desert climate? Where would they find food and water? What was God doing in the middle of all this?

Then the news comes—the Egyptians have decided to pursue them. They’re hemmed in by the Red Sea on one side and the cruel army on the other. They panic, demanding to know from Moses if God has led them this far only to let them die.

Have you ever stood in the same place? God led you out of one place but now you’re dealing with new terrors.

Maybe God delivered you from an abusive marriage but now you’re worried about how you’re going to raise your children as a single parent. Maybe God delivered you from addiction but now you’re overwhelmed at the thought of sobriety.

What looked like a promising new beginning seems to be another ending…or is it? God used the Red Sea to show His power and strength. Just as He made a way for the Israelites, He can make a way for you. Lean into Him in the middle of your wilderness journey.

God, I thought this was a new beginning but now it feels like an ending. Please give me faith to trust You during this time. Remind me again that You always come through during the Red Sea moments. In Jesus’ name, Amen.