David prayed these words: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).
One way that the Lord tests our hearts is with applied “heat.” Often an unexpected irritation or crisis reveals sin in our hearts, exposing critical thoughts, a controlling spirit, cynicism or fearfulness. Heat doesn’t cause the sin, just uncovers what is already there. God knows what’s in our hearts; heat melts off the wax exterior so we can see it. And when we do, we can either cover it again or be willingly led to repentance. That road looks something like this:
•Awareness: Heat alerts us to a need for change.
•Conviction: We see our sinful responses to trouble.
•Repentance: We have a desire to be changed.
•Humility: We admit that we can’t change ourselves—we need Jesus!
•Dependence: We rely on the Spirit’s power and process to change us.
Whether your journey lasts four hours or forty years, the Lord leads you all the way.