IMO: You’ll Never Change - Wednesday
Ezekiel 36:26
”I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” (NIV)
Many of you are likely familiar with the song “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe. However, few may be familiar with the origin and influence behind the song. Bart Millard, lead singer of the band, wrote the song based on his own life experiences. His dad, Arthur, was an abusive father. Arthur was constantly angry and physically assaulted Bart many times. Bart had this to say about his dad: “I ended up living in fear for most of my childhood.” In other words, Bart’s father was a nightmare.
Something changed in Arthur’s life, though, when he met a man named Jesus. Not only did Arthur meet Jesus, but he allowed Jesus to radically change his life when he decided to follow him. Bart is quoted as saying, “I got a front row seat to seeing this guy go from being a monster to falling desperately in love with Jesus.” Jesus not only changed Arthur’s life but also the life of Bart through Arthur. Bart credits his father’s transformation as the reason he is in ministry today. Bart has stated, “I’m in ministry because I’ve never seen a person change like that before… I grew up thinking that if the gospel could change that guy, it could change anybody.”
Never let anyone tell you the lie that people cannot change. Jesus is in the business of working miracles, and one of the greatest miracles He performs on a daily basis is changing the hearts of sinners. Maybe you are in a season of life where someone you know and love is also a bit of a ‘monster.’ Please, whatever you do, do not be discouraged. Of course, by no means am I encouraging you to endure any abuse. However, I do believe that Jesus can change the heart of any person. No matter how terrible they may seem, they are never too far to change in Jesus!
Wednesday’s Reflection
Take a minute to identify some people who you may be tempted to believe Jesus can’t change. Pray for them by name, that they would come to know Jesus and be changed by His love. As you pray, remember Jesus’ words: “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26 NIV).
