I doubt I am the only one walking, jogging, and trying to diet in the new year, and as my fellow resoluters know — it’s discouraging to hit the scales at the end of each week. Yes, I am down a couple pounds each week, but only a couple pounds — weight loss is soooooooooooo slow! Incrementally. Little by little. One has to trudge on. The slow pace is why I needed to make exercise and healthy eating a new year’s resolution for the nineteenth straight year.
I hate to say it, but I feel the same way towards my spiritual growth. It can be soooooooooooo slow. Throughout my Christian life, I have felt at times I would never find victory over a sin or negative characteristic in my life. Understanding certain aspects of Scripture seemed impossible to grasp. Regularly, I’ve grown impatient seeking to become patient, and I’ve lost control pursuing self-control.
Yet, in matters of the heart I have been surprised how quick God works. Consistently, He instantly flips a switch that changes my outlook.
When I have felt miles and miles away from Him suddenly He would supernaturally restore my heart, as soon as, I stopped my pity party and turned to Him. The same when my heart has been broken — now, I may go weeks with my head hung low listening to William Fitzsimmons; but, as soon as I laid the burden out in prayer my heart was renewed. I don’t think I’ve ever been able to finish one of my self-loathing prayer. The times my heart has been ice cold towards God and I thought God was done with me, as soon as I asked for help, He came. My frozen heart thawed instantly.
In Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son, Jesus tells that when the son, who had dishonored his father, wasted his inheritance in wild living, and disgraced the family, finally came home his father ran to meet him. The story calls to mind that the son had a long journey home, but in matters of the heart, it is as if God meets us even while we are still in the pig sty.
The same has happened in my life with loving others. Time after time, I have found myself before someone I formerly would dislike or avoid, but the Holy Spirit would fill my heart with love for them. Instantly and surprising.
God often and characteristically works this way.
If your heart is cold today, turn to Him.
He won’t make you thaw out for days, or stand by the fire to slowly warm-up; but, in-a-flash, He will intervene.
Instantly, your heart is warmed — set on fire.
Let Him. His speed will surprise you.
