A Change Of Heart

A Change of Heart

Is your school backpack at home right now? If so, go pick it up. For many students, their backpacks are a lifeline to their education. They hold all their books, assignments, and supplies, which is why they’re so heavy. But when Marcela Padilla walked out of a Tucson, Arizona, hospital on this day in 2011, her backpack was her lifeline—literally. That’s because the twenty-year-old became the first woman in the United States to leave a hospital wearing a Freedom portable driver to power her temporary Total Artificial Heart. The battery in her backpack connected to an artificial heart that kept her alive. Amazing, huh?

Normally, patients who wait for heart transplants have to be connected to a 418-pound machine called “Big Blue,” which keeps them stuck in the hospital. Companies are experimenting with lighter machines that allow patients to be at home with their families until they can receive a suitable replacement heart. Marcela was the first woman to try out the portable power device, which allowed her to celebrate her twenty-first birthday at home and be with her husband and young son. For Marcela, getting a new heart was key for her life.

Similarly, God wants to give his children a new heart. God’s not talking about a physical heart transplant. But he desires that his followers have a tender heart that responds to God’s leading and wants to help others. The prophet Ezekiel delivers this message from the Lord: “I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart” (Ezekiel 36:26).

Who would want a stony, stubborn heart anyway? Our hearts should be soft and pliable, so they can be used powerfully for God.

Daddy-Daughter Time

How would you describe your heart? We all have areas of stubbornness. Where are your “harder” areas? Fathers and daughters, commit to hold each other accountable to softening your hearts in all areas to God. Has God laid a special passion on your heart? If so, give all your efforts to accomplish his will in your life.

What’s The Word?

I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart.   Ezekiel 36:26