Navigating Silent SeasonsSample

Let’s rip the band-aid off at the beginning -- but know that this is because I love you. Often, we struggle to hear from God because our hearts have become hardened, and we may have developed a stubborn attitude toward Him. The Bible frequently describes such individuals as “stiff-necked.” This stubbornness is one reason why the religious leaders during Jesus' time failed to recognize Him; they could not accept that Jesus was who He claimed to be. When we’ve already decided what God should say, it becomes difficult to hear Him clearly.

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where someone asks for your advice but really just wants you to agree with what they’ve already decided to do? Persuading them to change their mind can be quite challenging, depending on the person and the circumstances. No matter your suggestions, they will twist your words to suit their needs because they've made their decision already.

The truth is, we often approach God in the same way. Instead of seeking His will, we present our plans and hope that He agrees and blesses our choices. To truly submit to God and understand Jesus's Lordship, we need to surrender our desires and wait for His guidance.

Imagine if Jesus were like us and had predetermined not to endure the cross for us during His prayer in the garden. Instead of saying, “Not my will, but Yours,” He might have said, “I don’t want to do this, Father; please bless my decision.” That’s a moment worthy of gratitude for Jesus!

If you feel convicted about how you've approached God in this way, remember that there is grace for you. To change this, let’s commit to surrendering our wills to His. We should pray like David, who said, “Create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Let us refrain from approaching God with our own plans and instead submit them to Him so that we may receive His guidance.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for being stubborn with my desires and not fully submitting them to you. Help me to be malleable to what you want to do in and through me. I submit my will and my way to you. Trade my hardened heart for a heart of flesh to be able to receive from you. In Jesus’ name, amen.