Son and Truth

by Joy Anisa

School was cancelled for three days. The first day was due to snow. For Georgia, that’s almost a miracle. The second day was somewhat expected because the temperatures did not rise above freezing. However, day three surprised us. Apparently, some roads were still an icy hazard.

By the second day, our family just had to get out of the house and go somewhere, anywhere, to shake off cabin fever. As we drove, it was amazing to me how the road could be completely clear, then suddenly there would be large areas of ice. As I thought about this, I was reminded of my heart.

All of us have areas in our lives that are completely surrendered and softened toward the Lord. We are flexible and bend to His will and His way. But there are other areas in which we have stubbornly remained hardened toward Him. Just as sun and temperature are the necessities to melt ice, we need the Son and His truths to soften our hearts.

“Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26 NASB

God spoke these words to Ezekiel about a nation of people. His presence in us has that same power, capable of creating permanent change within. He promises to continually work on those hardened areas (Philippians 1:6).  But it is when I am open to the Lord and His work in me, that He does His best heart-work. He softens my heart and bends my will to His. The truths of His Word are a part of His process; they expose unhealthy preferences and reveal the lies for which I have fallen.

Some of the hard areas can be easily removed, like ice on the roadway, where sunshine and warmth is all that is needed. Other roads need salt and maybe even a jackhammer to break through. Those stubborn heart issues have become such a part of our lives that the healing process is lengthy and even painful. But whatever it is in your life that needs to be dealt with, you can trust the Lord and His course of action.

Finally breaking free of the things that weigh us down will bring a new-found freedom in Christ. We will be released to grow, serve, and love others so much more effectively. We will also experience the fruit of His Spirit as we yield to Him. It’s definitely worth the process.

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.  2 Corinthians 3:18 NASB

About the author: Joy Anisa speaks for women’s retreats, MOPS, and Single Mom conferences. Her book, Identity Crisis: Moving from Crisis to Credibility,  offers an invitation to hope in the God who loves deeply, heals wounds, and offers His joy when life around us crumbles. You can find Joy on FB, Twitter, and Instagram. Joy lives with her husband, Jeff and their son, Caid, in Conyers, GA.

Free Book Contest!  Arise Daily will use a random number generator to pick a winner from today’s comments. To enter our contest for Joy’s book, Identity Crisis: Moving From Crisis to Credibility,  please comment below.  By posting in our comments, you are giving us permission to share your name if you win!  If you have an outside the US mailing address, your prize could be substituted with an e-book of our choice.

Join the conversation: Where are the hardened areas in your life?