Sometimes, we wish someone could change. We see them behaving and don’t know what to do. Sometimes, we are the one who realise that something in our attitude or heart inclination is not good and we wonder what to do. The fact is, most believers would launch a prayer or fasting session to do so. My brother, my sister, it is not by might, it is not by power… it is by the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit… is the third person of the Trinity, in other words, He is God.
In today’s passage, we read that God promised to restore His people not only spiritually but also physically. And to do that, He promised to give them a new heart for following Him and it is also here that He promised to put His Spirit in them to transform them and empower them to do His will. Yes, from this book we see that the new covenant was promised and we, Christians, all know and believe that all this was accomplished in Christ. And today, no matter how impure your life is right, God offers you a fresh start in Christ: you can have your sins washed away, have a His Spirit dwelling in you and also you can receive a new heart FOR God (I did not say from God, but for God). Why FOR God? Because most people freely accept the two parts of the promises but resist the change by trying to patch up their old lives when they can have a new one. Yes, God can change anyone’s life through the change of our heart that will allow us to live a life pleasing to Him.
My friend, to prevent having an unbelieving heart, Jesus established fellowship. Why is fellowship with other believers essential for anyone who wants a heart changed? Because in spending time with believers, we talk more about mutual faith and encourage each other with love and concern. Far from the presence of God, our hearts will be hardened and resist the power of the Holy Spirit who can operate the change in us. So if you are praying for someone who needs a changed heart, submit their heart, soul and mind to Jesus. If you are praying for yourself, do the same. There is no point praying “Lord change my heart” if the heart is not given to Christ first, if you yourself have not submitted to Him. This therefore means that, before asking God to change the heart of someone, make sure that He can listen to you because you allow yourself to be changed by the Holy Spirit, that your own heart has been circumcised… Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.