A Changed Man
Harvey's heart was calloused and cold. His father lived in a different state and was absent throughout much of his childhood and young adult life. Through many failures and disappointments, quitting was never an option. He made a vow to himself to “do it on his own”, and that he did. His successes and victories were accomplished with personal grit and determination. The years of hard work and aloneness took a toll on his heart – yet he did not recognize the emptiness within. In his early thirties he met his wife, surrendered his life to Jesus, and a new journey began. He was in love but unwilling to give up controlling his surroundings. Struggles came and she begged for him to let her in. He would be convicted and release the reins slightly only to grip them tighter. She recognized amazing qualities inside him, but she focused on changing the bad. After years of battling, praying, and nagging she gave up. She opened the weary hands of her heart and let it all go. She focused on her inner struggles and her relationship with God and her perspective changed. The more she learned to love herself the more she was able to freely love and enjoy him.
“Have you been saved but need a renewing of your heart? Have you been praying – God please revive my heart?“ the pastor inquired from the pulpit. Harvey’s arm shot straight up. His body trembled yet he felt numb. His breath was intense. Tears streamed down his face, and he felt a whoosh in his heart. He felt the weight of years of aloneness and control being lifted from his aching soul. He felt the warmth of something new and more powerful than himself. He felt true love engulf him and he was speechless. The old was passing away and a new thing springing forth.
A new man walked out of the sanctuary that day. Harvey's hardened heart was no longer bitter and controlling. He was full of love, light, kindness, and forgiveness. His countenance was different and his actions reflected glory. He was changed! He was renewed! He was revived! God alone did it! Hallelujah!
Prayer: LORD, Your word promises in Ezekiel 36:26-27 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes...."; I surrender _______ to You. Help me to stop nagging. May I see them through Heaven's eyes. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit enabling me to love and enjoy them right where they are. They are a gift from You. May I value their life as such. May_______, without a word from my lips be won over to Your Kingdom through encountering Your love. I trust You Lord with ________, and I love You. In the name and blood of Jesus I Pray - AMEN
