Scripture
Acts 28:26-27
“Go to this people and say, “You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.” For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.”
Observation
Callouses form when something sharp or rough is continually rubbing or scraping my skin. It’s not enough to cut me, just enough to cause discomfort. A callous is my body’s way of avoiding and protecting me from the discomfort. The word of God is a sharp, two-edged sword. Its job is to cut away anything not pleasing to God. This cutting process is never fun or enjoyable in the moment–but God’s desire is not to merely cause discomfort, but rather to accomplish permanent transformation in my heart.
Application
I don’t want to just expose my heart to the word of God until it becomes uncomfortable and then quit. This is how callouses form, and how my heart becomes hardened toward God’s word. Instead, I want to welcome the cutting and pruning process, as the word of God begins to cut away those parts of me that are ungodly, and transform me to be more like Him. The way I do this is by continually applying God’s word to my life, and making the decision to remain pliable and teachable in His hands even when I don’t like how it feels. My heavenly Father loves me, and I can trust that the change He brings is ultimately for my benefit, and for His glory.
Prayer
God, I choose to surrender my heart and my life to you. Thank you for your word, and help me to never become hardened or calloused toward you, but always remain teachable in your hands. Thank you for being worthy of my trust, even when the cutting and transforming process is uncomfortable!
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