What other scriptures highlight God's role in guiding our hearts toward service? The Heart-Guiding God in 2 Corinthians 8:16 “But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.” (2 Corinthians 8:16) God Himself placed concern for the Corinthian believers into Titus’ heart. Divine initiative came first; human obedience followed. Scripture consistently shows the Lord doing this heart-work in His people. Old Testament Echoes: God Moves Servants to Act • Exodus 35:21 – “Everyone whose heart stirred and whose spirit was willing came…” God awakened generosity for the tabernacle. • Exodus 36:2 – “Moses summoned every skilled craftsman in whose heart the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him.” Service begins with God-given desire and ability. • 1 Chronicles 29:14-19 – David acknowledges, “Everything comes from You… LORD, God of our fathers… keep this desire forever in the thoughts of the hearts of Your people, and confirm their heart toward You.” God implants and sustains willing hearts. • Ezra 1:5 – “Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin… everyone whose spirit God had stirred, rose up to build the house of the LORD.” A national restoration effort started in hearts God moved. • Nehemiah 2:12 – “I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem.” Divine prompting preceded Nehemiah’s bold rebuilding plan. New Testament Reinforcements: The Spirit Directs Service • Acts 16:14 – “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” Lydia’s receptive heart illustrates God preparing individuals for ministry partnership. • Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” Both desire and power come from Him. • Ephesians 2:10 – “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” Service is pre-planned by God, then prompted within us. • Hebrews 13:20-21 – “…may the God of peace… equip you with every good thing to do His will, working in us what is pleasing in His sight through Jesus Christ.” Equipping and inner working are inseparable. • 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 – “May the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love… so that He may establish your hearts.” God grows love and steadfastness that spill over into action. Connecting the Threads Across both covenants, one pattern emerges: God initiates, stirs, equips; people respond. Whether building a tabernacle, restoring a city, supporting a missionary journey, or meeting a church’s need, the impulse begins in the divine heart and flows into human hearts. Why This Matters for Us Today • Confidence: We serve knowing God Himself plants the desire. • Dependence: Prayerfully seek His stirring before launching plans. • Humility: Credit Him, not ourselves, for any faithful service rendered. • Expectancy: The same God who moved Titus, Lydia, and Nehemiah still ignites hearts—ours included—for the works He has prepared. |
    |