April 30
A Heart Transformed
by Grace
“You used to live as sinners when you followed the ways of this world.
You served the ruler of the kingdom of the air.
He rules over the people who don’t obey God.
At one time we all lived among them.
We tried to satisfy what our sinful nature wanted to do.
We followed its longings and thoughts.
God was angry with us, like he was with everyone else.
That’s because of the kind of people we all were.”
Ephesians 2:2-3, NIrV
Neil’s arms were crossed tightly as he sat in the corner of the coffee shop, staring at his phone. The anger bubbling in his chest found its outlet online, where he typed another scathing comment under a post about faith. “Religion is just a crutch for weak people,” he wrote, feeling a surge of satisfaction.
It hadn’t always been this way. Neil had once been a faithful churchgoer, even active in his youth group. But years ago, a leader he trusted deeply betrayed the church’s teachings, leaving Neil disillusioned and bitter. “If that’s what faith looks like,” he’d said at the time, “I want no part of it.”
Since then, his resentment grew into full-blown hostility. He sought out debates, mocked believers, and wore his disbelief as a badge of honor. But the truth was, Neil felt empty. The bitterness that fueled him was also draining him.
One evening, while walking home, Neil saw a young man struggling to fix his flat tire in the rain. Without thinking, Neil stopped to help. Together, they got the spare tire on, and the man, soaked but smiling, thanked him warmly.
“I don’t know what I would’ve done without your help. God bless you,” the man said.
Neil froze, unsure how to respond. “Yeah, well… sure,” he muttered, walking away quickly. But the stranger’s words lingered.
Over the next few days, Neil couldn’t shake the memory of that moment. How could someone thank God when a stranger helped them? Was it possible that faith wasn’t just hypocrisy and rules? He remembered how he used to feel a sense of purpose and peace in his faith, a stark contrast to the anger that consumed him now.
One quiet evening, Neil did something he hadn’t done in years—he prayed. His words were halting and uncertain. “God, if You’re there… I don’t even know if I believe anymore. But I don’t want to feel this way. Help me find what I lost.”
It wasn’t instant, but something began to shift. Neil found himself open to conversations with believers he once dismissed. He started reading the Bible again, and the words in Ephesians 2:2-3 resonated deeply. He realized he’d been living under the influence of anger and rebellion, far from the life of love and grace God offered. Slowly, Neil’s heart softened, and his bitterness gave way to hope.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for loving us even when we are consumed by anger and bitterness.
Like Neil, we sometimes turn away from You, thinking we know better or letting pain harden our hearts.
But Your grace calls us back, reminding us that You are our refuge and healer.
Help us to let go of resentment and embrace the peace and purpose You offer.
Transform our hearts and guide us to walk in Your love, no matter where we’ve been.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
