Ezekiel 36:26-27-The Voice
26 I will plant a new heart and new spirit inside of you. I will take out your stubborn, stony heart and give you a willing, tender heart of flesh. 27 And I will put My Spirit inside of you and inspire you to live by My statutes and follow My laws.

Sheila’s life was not a picture of good fortune and great blessings. Over the course of the years one tragedy after another occurred in her life. There was no one to comfort her, help her through the trying times. As a result of the trials and tribulations her heart grew harder and harder until she couldn’t feel anything. Sheila had become a crotchety old woman in her young age.

She didn’t have a friend. Her relatives avoided her. Family gatherings always ended up in arguments. Her invitations became few and far between. Sheila couldn’t help herself—she didn’t know how to stop causing trouble and wanted everyone to feel the pain she felt. Everyone was against her—or so she thought. She spent many nights crying herself to sleep.

One evening Sheila was flipping through the channels on her television. Back and forth, back and forth she flipped, not finding anything that struck her fancy. I’m not watching that minister on that Christian channel. I don’t want to hear what he has to say. After going through the channels a few more times she gave in and watch the minister.

Someone just tuned in who’s had many tragedies throughout their life. Nothing seemed to go right. The Lord is saying to you if you will release your stony heart to Him, He will replace it with a new tender heart of flesh. He will also put His Spirit in you and inspire you to live your life for Him. He said don’t be afraid. He has it all worked out for you—a glorious transformation and a new life-like you’ve never lived before. He loves you with an everlasting love and He wants to shed His everlasting love in your heart.

Sheila was stunned. The minister was speaking to her. She thought her life would always be the same—sorrow and no joy. Sheila fell to her knees and cried out to The Lord. I release my stony heart to you Lord. I receive a new heart of flesh. Put your Spirit inside me and inspire me to live for you. I believe I’ve been transformed. Thank you.

In an instant it felt like a weight was lifted off Sheila. She felt free-free to be. I won’t turn back. I won’t let anyone steal this from me.