What practical steps can we take to align our will with God's purposes? Seeing Sihon’s Stubbornness Deuteronomy 2:30: “But Sihon king of Heshbon was not willing to let us pass through his land, for the LORD your God had made his spirit stubborn and hardened his heart in order to deliver him into your hand, as is now the case.” The text shows two clear realities: Sihon’s heart grew hard, and the Lord’s purpose still advanced. Whenever human resolve collides with God’s purposes, His plan wins. Our invitation is to cooperate rather than resist. Why God Highlights Hardened Hearts • To warn us that stubbornness blinds us to His blessings (Hebrews 3:7-8). • To demonstrate His sovereignty—He can even use resistance to fulfill His promises (Proverbs 19:21). • To call us toward willing obedience that brings life and rest (Isaiah 1:19). Practical Ways to Move From Stubbornness to Surrender • Invite inspection. Pray Psalm 139:23-24 aloud, asking the Spirit to expose hidden resistance. • Submit early. When Scripture speaks, say “yes” before arguments form (James 1:22). • Trade pride for humility. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Consciously choose the low place in conversations, decisions, and ambitions. • Trust God’s character. Proverbs 3:5-6 calls us to lean on Him, not on limited understanding. Confidence in His goodness softens the will. • Practice immediate obedience in small matters—how you spend a free hour, money, words. Quick obedience builds a reflex of surrender (Luke 16:10). • Keep short accounts. Confess sin promptly (1 John 1:9). Unconfessed sin calcifies the heart. • Cultivate gratitude. Thankfulness shifts focus from self-rule to God’s provision (Colossians 3:15-17). • Choose fellowship. Meet with believers who challenge and encourage submission to Christ (Hebrews 10:24-25). Daily Habits That Keep the Heart Soft 1. Morning offering: echo Jesus’ “Yet not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). 2. Scripture before screens: let God’s voice set the agenda (Psalm 119:105). 3. Midday pause: two-minute reset to ask, “Am I still walking in what God showed me this morning?” 4. Evening examen: review the day, celebrate obedience, repent where you resisted (Lamentations 3:40). 5. Weekly Sabbath rhythm: rest reminds us we are creatures, not sovereigns (Exodus 20:8-11). Encouragement for the Journey • God promises a new heart and spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27); He supplies what He commands. • When we stumble, Romans 12:1-2 invites renewed surrender—continual transformation, not one-time perfection. • The result is partnership rather than opposition: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose” (Philippians 2:13). |
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