The Power Of The Heart

“We are never just shaped by our knowledge, experience, and skill. It is always also shaped by the true condition of our hearts.”

- Paul Tripp

In the book, Dangerous Calling by Paul Tripp, he shares the story about Moses and how he felt unable, unprepared, and unqualified. But in Exodus 3:13-14, God encourages him by saying, “Say this to the people of Israel, I AM has sent me to you. The God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.” Basically, God was reminding Moses of His resume.

Mo, I graduated from spiritual Harvard, I am the greatest CEO, I am competent and experienced, I am aware of the context, and I know the future. Oh, and to top it off, I created the Heavens and the Earth; I am sovereign, omnipotent, and omniscient. I AM GOD!

So how does Moses respond?

Meh.

He didn’t literally say “meh.” But his heart expressed it when he still felt unable, unprepared, and unqualified. Why?

Why do you respond that way even though we know in our heads who GOD is?

It is because of the condition of our hearts. As Paul Tripp shares, Moses’ Egyptian education and past know-how on building wealth, cultural knowledge, and understanding palace politics did not aid him. It did not enable him to look beyond himself. His heart did not fear God. Instead, he feared his circumstances.

How are you doing these days?

But more importantly, how is the condition of your heart? I’m sure most of us that are listening to this are trying to be a God-glorifying Christian. You are trying to be a good person, a Good Neighbor. You are trying to be a loving wife or husband. You are trying. And I want to affirm you that God sees your heart.

However, as I try to do every morning, take a moment to ask, what is the condition of my heart? A few ways I assess this is by asking two questions: Do I love Jesus? Am I thankful for Jesus?

Based on my response, I get an idea of where my heart is.

Now, what if the condition of your heart is not where you want it to be? What do you do?

Simply pray as honestly as you can, “Jesus, help me to love you. Jesus, help me to be thankful.” This is the first baby step toward cultivating a heart that is alive spiritually.

Try it now. Try it today. Friends, GOD wants our hearts. GOD wants your heart today. Amen.

Pastor Sean

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