We might think it just takes the right person in someone's life to bring change within them. There might be times when we think we're the right person. But the truth is that only God can change people. The power to change must come from within the person themselves. When we try to change someone and it doesn't work, we can lose hope and feel hopeless. It's a task that we need to leave to God.

In The Message, Eugene Peterson paraphrases Solomon’s words: ‘Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick.’ When we keep longing for and envisioning something that never materialises, we get heartsick. Then we start making excuses for what’s not working in the relationship, even as it becomes obvious to those around us. Sound relationship decisions are not based on hope.

And add to this the fact that people of faith often try to spiritualise every issue. In the name of ‘faith’, they downplay their instincts and ignore their senses. That’s not having faith in God! Faith in God should be just that – faith in God. We must not place our faith in fallible men and women, because they will fail us. God gives each of us a will, but He doesn’t force us to change. Change must come from within each of us as we accept the grace that God extends to us each day. ‘The Lord opened [Lydia’s] heart to heed the things spoken by Paul’ (Acts 16:14 NKJV). Here’s a better option: pray for them, and let God change them!

What Now?

Pray for anyone you know who needs to open their heart to God. Ask Him to bring about any lasting change that needs to take place.