A Heart Bent Toward Jesus
July 13
For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11
Gina’s heart was completely bent toward Jesus, “My job in food services was wonderful. I enjoyed the university…and the people I worked with,, but that job was taking a physical toll on me. My body couldn’t endure the constant strain. I felt that God wanted me to stay on campus, but without His intervention I didn’t see how that could happen. I only knew something had to change…and soon. That’s when a crisis of faith for my hearts desire occurred.”
Seeing her eyes mist, I realized this was more than a simple occurrence, “That’s when the Book Store Manager’s position opened up. Several friends called to urge me to apply…so I did. I had an interview, and it went great! Then, a week later I received a phone call telling me they had chosen someone else...”
Instead of resentment, her face mirrored her next statement, “I didn’t understand it, but this tremendous peace flooded my spirit as I heard God say, ‘You just need to not worry, Gina. I know your heart’s desire.’
“A week later, they called back, ‘The man we hired quit. He said this wasn’t the job for him. Are you still interested in the position?’” Gina chuckled as she added, “That’s when Jesus whispered, ‘Prosper…not harm you, Gina.’”
It was easy to see that much more than Gina’s employment issues had been settled.
†
Unshakable faith comes from having experienced great victories with God. It is a byproduct of having our hearts bent to God’s will through the unnatural act of surrendering our will. When God says, “Don’t worry” our nature is inclined to do otherwise. But by yielding our hearts to God we walk by faith. In turn, God fulfills His promise.
Today’s text says that a hope-filled prosperous future is what God has for each of His children. If we are ever to experience victory in our crisis of faith, we have to answer this simple question: “Do I trust God enough to give Him complete control of my life?”
Prayer
“Lord, I have this need to control things. Help me bend my heart’s will to Yours. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”
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