Need a Little Change?

There is a scripture in 1 Samuel 10:9 that fills my mind with wonder. It says, “As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart…” Just like that!! Saul’s heart is changed.

I can’t tell you how many times I have labored and tried to change someone’s heart regarding something, from my children to friends making bad choices to myself. How many times have I researched, debated, laid out an iron clad case that will “fix” the situation, only to have all my work, thoughts, and efforts gently set on a shelf and be of no use at all? It’s crystal clear to me that though I may be able to inform or influence someone, I can’t change anyone, but I always seem to try anyway. I guess that’s part of the reason that I find that scripture so fascinating. God can actually change, transform, a person.

Paul presented this idea to the followers of Christ in Corinth. He asks them in chapter 3, why some say they follow Paul and others that they follow Apollos? If you do that aren’t you acting like mere men? In other words, you’re not following God who can bring true change, you’re following men who can only give you information or status. As great a man as Paul was and as dynamic a man as Apollos appears to have been, they are mere men in service to the Lord.

Paul then gives an illustration of fields growing crops as to what part he plays as a servant in the bigger work of God. Men can plant the seeds and water the ground, but they can’t make the crop grow. They don’t make the seed die in the ground or absorb the nutrients from the soil. They don’t provide the rain to get the water or the sun and all it produces with its light, heat and vitamins. That is exclusively the work of God.

I really should write this down and try to remember it so that the next time I try to make someone change, I can step out of the way, and not frustrate myself or them (oh how I’ve frustrated some people) and leave that work to God.

I may be able to plant a thought or some perspectives in someone’s mind, but ultimately it’s God who brings salvation and transformation and only God who can change a person’s heart.

Is there anyone out there besides me that needs a little change?

I understand God is giving it, freely