A Heart of Stone

Ezekiel 11:19 says, “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”

This verse has been brought to my attention the last couple of days. It has been brought to my attention on two separate occasions, in two random ways. Usually when that happens, I know God is trying to speak to me. As I began to think about that verse, I was reminded of someone I know who’s facing the possibility of divorce. The attitude behind it was, “I’m doing everything I can to make it work. And if they aren’t willing to make it work, then I have no problem with divorce”. To me it felt very prideful. It felt like, “I’m doing my part, but they aren’t, so it’s on them”. It’s not me, it’s them. It felt like that person had a heart of stone.

Do you know someone who has that same “heart of stone” attitude? Do you know someone who is cold, shows no sympathy or maybe is put off by your attempts to be kind hearted? You’re definitely not alone. Ezekiel was prophesying to Israel letting them know what was going to happen because of their “heart of stone”. They turned away from God’s word. Ezekiel fell on his knees and interceded for Israel. What happened? God gave them hope. God said He would restore Israel … “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”

Prayer is a powerful thing. When you pray for somebody on behalf of them you are showing the heart of God. The bible says God intercedes for us. When you intercede for somebody you are showing the heart of God. You are also breaking down spiritual barriers.

Who is that person that seems to have a “heart of stone”? Don’t give up praying for them. Ask God to give them a heart of flesh and to know who God is. Even when all seems lost and there is no hope, pray. God will hear your prayer. Pray for that person to change their heart of stone to a heart of flesh. God is faithful!