Heart Problems

Several months ago, I was visiting some friends overseas. During the trip, I became quite ill with what appeared to be some type of virus. My friends immediately rushed me to see a doctor. After running some tests, the doctor assured me that he could successfully treat my ailment. The doctor was not too concerned with the virus, he was however very concerned with my heart. The doctor detected that my heart was beating abnormally and strongly suggested I see a cardiologist as soon as possible.

Upon my return, I immediately made an appointment to see a cardiologist. After performing a battery of tests, the cardiologist assured me that my heart was in perfect condition. Obviously, this was great news and great relief to me. I could not help thinking however that there were much deeper issues with my heart. No cardiologist in the world could ever fix these issues. Not a leaky valve, clogged arteries, arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, I suffered from the same heart condition all of humanity suffers from and that is sin.

For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. – Jesus (Matthew 15:19-20 NLT)

There does not exist a diet plan, exercise routine, or doctor capable of healing our hearts from the effects of sin. No doctor or physical regimen can adequately treat the devastating conditions that affect the heart like, greed, jealousy, pride, anger, selfishness, guilt, and the vast array of other sins. Only God can cure the heart. Why would He though? After all, we do not deserve it; no one could ever be good enough to earn Gods favor. For God to save us, He had to allow His son Jesus to die on the cross, to pay the unimaginable price, His life for the healing of our sinful hearts. Do you know why He did it? He did it because it is in His nature to do so. He does not give us what we deserve, instead He gives us what we could never deserve or earn. That is precisely what Grace is, God the heart surgeon performing a transplant, removing the old and diseased heart and replacing it with a new one.

And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put my Spirit in you so that you will follow my decrees and be careful to obey my regulations.   – Ezekiel 36: 26 NLT

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV

Heavenly Father how great and wonderful is your grace, the grace that you extend to me heals my deceitful heart that has no remedy. Only you can do that in my life, that each day this heart of stone would be transformed more and more into one that is tender, compassionate, able to look at others as you look at them. Thanks, for you alone can transform the human heart.