My conversion to Christianity was radical. I heard God say my name and in a split second, everything changed. This once hard and embittered heart turned to silly putty. I wish someone would have warned me about the emotional creature I would become.

Yet, today's verse speaks of that exact promise — softening the hard hearts of people who turned away from God as I did when I left home for the adult world. That kind of thing doesn't come without serious consequences.

It wasn't long before I became immersed in sexual promiscuity, alcoholism, and profanity. It was far and away from the honor roll status I once held in school. I was on my own and blazing a trail of self-destruction.

Now for the good news.

As much as I and Israel had rebelled against God, he never turned away from us. He was always pursuing us and trying to win us back. Unfortunately, it took awhile for us to put our egos aside and see the light.

Today, this new heart, as squishy as it has become, can't express enough gratitude to my Lord. I must acknowledge how crucial it is to have it. I know that now, and so would the Israelites in Ezekiel’s time.

It's never too late to receive a changed heart. A new year is the perfect time to seek that life-altering experience. As Christians, we have a newness of heart to celebrate. May we use our renewed hearts to reach out to others, sharing the extraordinary gift that awaits them in Christ.

Father God, thank you for giving me a new heart. I never knew how much I needed it until you gave it to me. Now I can't imagine my life without this soft heart. You've enabled me to have compassion, empathy, love, and kindness for others. Please give me the strength and confidence to share my changed heart with others, letting them know that a changed heart can be theirs as well. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Go Deeper — Read these verses in the Bible that discuss a new heart for God. Which one speaks to you the most?

Act Further — If you have had a life-changing experience like Melissa, or have gone through rough times such as a divorce, addiction, depression, empty nest, job loss, etc., God may be calling you to share that with others who need your encouragement and guidance. Consider becoming one of our volunteer online mentors in 2020. We will fully train you and you set your own hours. For more information click here.



Tags: Ezekiel Ezekiel 11
Photo Credit: Debby Hudson