New hearts

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." Matthew 5:8

     A wise pastor once gave me a strange gift. I eagerly unwrapped the box only to find what at first glance, appeared to be a dull and ugly rock. Upon closer inspection, half of the rock had been polished under great pressure to reveal the great beauty of its natural elements. The smiling pastor said, "This is to remind you nothing is impossible with God. God can change the dullest and most hardened hearts." I still have that rock as a reminder.

     As Zimbabweans struggle with increasing state violence, police harassment and deliberate starvation by her own government, pray with holy fervor for God to change the dull and hardened hearts of corrupt officials. Pray until the rock hardness of their hearts reflect the purity of God's concern, love and compassion for Zimbabwe.

     Through these dangerous days, remember the pure in heart will always see God with the eyes of faith. This is worth everything you own. You must cling to this promise from Jesus and stubbornly refuse to let overwhelming circumstances rob you of your spiritual sight.

     You are not helpless in the suffering and turmoil. Your long-suffering patient, persisting and persevering prayers can bring about the healing of Zimbabwe. Use your prayer power source. Pray until something happens. Your own heart will be purified and you will be empowered with renewed spiritual sight as you pray.

     Human beings have enormous capacities for self-delusion. Implore God with your purified prayers of holy boldness to open the hearts of officials indifferent to the growing suffering of Zimbabwe's people.

     Cling to your hope in God. God is still in the business of changing hard hearts to tender ones, from closed and cruel hearts to loving and forgiving hearts. God knows the deepest secrets, hopes and dreams of our hearts. With such a God, nothing is impossible. Every heart has the capacity to respond to divine love and caring. God excels at changing impure hearts into pure hearts of gold.

     Prayer: God, purify the hearts of every Zimbabwean official and citizen. Give Zimbabwe a new heart and spirit. Use our prayers to heal this beautiful country, save many lives, and bring relief to those suffering from violence, oppression, hunger and hardness of heart. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandy Bochonok
http://soulfoodministry.org
August 27, 2002
Permission is given to freely distribute and share this reflection with the people of Zimbabwe.