There
have been times that people has claimed that I am a bit of a nut. (These
comments usually come after I have delivered a particularly bad pun.) The
origins of some of the stories on this blog may increase the credibility of
that reputation. I had been praying about the need for a broken, God-like
heart. Then snacking on some pistachios, I saw an analogy God would
use to teach me about my heart. OK, so God told me I was like a
pistachio. I guess He agrees that I am a nut. What’s worse, I can
sometimes be a ‘hard nut to crack’!
Pistachios,
yum! These nuts are really quite healthy. Besides being full of
protein, healthy fats, good carbs and fiber, I counted more than 25 vitamins
and minerals. And they are a green food. (OK, that may be stretching it,
but the rest is all true.) These little nuts are packed full off
nutrition. But to get to this goodness, you must crack the shell and let
the nut out.
As
I looked into the container of pistachios, I noticed that there were nutshells
all at different levels of opening. Some shells had spread so wide that
the nut had already fallen out. Others were fairly wide open and required
only a little pressure to come apart and release the treasure within.
Others had separated less. These could still be easily opened but
required a little more pressure. The final group contained shells that
were intact or had only a tiny crack. Still
the line on which these nuts could be cracked was evident. These would
take some effort and a tool to get to the nut within.
These
observations can also apply to my heart. Hidden within is a great,
health-giving treasure. Unfortunately, shells
surround various areas of my heart. These
shells need to be broken off to let that treasure out.
Some
areas in my heart I have opened wide and the grace of God flows freely.
In many cases these are connected to testing and trials that I have come
through by the grace and provision of God. I love the passage, “Blessed
be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies
and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we
may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with
which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4
ESV) I have experienced the tender presence of God as He walked me
through trials that could easily have crushed me. I love to help and encourage
others who may be experiencing similar trials.
The
next two types of heart shells are areas that God is currently working on.
There are various levels, both in His work and my compliance. The two go
hand in hand. The shell of my heart that is ready to break open requires
only a small nudge from God to lead me to obedience. I sometimes find
myself amazed at how far I have come when I am willing to comply with his
requests. At other times I am not so quick to obey. I do come around, but
only after I’ve voiced some of my objections first. Cracking shells is a
process. “And
all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word
of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured
into His very own image in ever increasing
splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from
the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.” (2
Corinthians 3:18 AMP) Continually beholding the word of God in that
mirror helps me to see just how foolish my objections are. I see the great benefit
of surrendering to His will. I realize my heart is becoming more like His,
one decision at a time. Then I can
willingly say, “Crack me open. I want your love to come out.”
But
alas, there is that fourth type of nutshell. It is solidly intact and
will not lend itself to be easily broken open. Sometimes this shell is
simple rebellion. I have not yet chosen to give God control over this
area of my life. Other times I am not even aware a shell is present. I
have never even considered how God sees or feels about a situation. And
often a shell has been formed as the result hurt of or insecurity. It has
become a protective barrier to keep pain out. Past experiences have
caused me to wall this piece of the heart in. Unfortunately, whatever the
source, a hard shell will cause me to hide the gift of God inside. I need
to place my heart in God’s hands. The
king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as are the watercourses; He turns it
whichever way He wills.” (Proverbs21:1
AMP) God’s hand is the best place my heart can be. In His
hands I find gentle correction for rebellion. He gives me a view and
understanding of His heart. And with tenderness He brings true healing as I
open up. I must not only allow Him in, but I must be willing to let Him to
select the tool, whether nutcracker for rebellion or scalpel for past
wounds. When God says “It’s time,” it truly is time for the shell to be
broken off. Allow Him to shelter and mold your heart with His gentle,
strong hands. Allow him to make your
heart flow with the love displayed by Jesus.
But
we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing
power belongs to God and not to us.”
(2 Corinthians 4:6-7 ESV) Ask God to work daily in your life to break
off all of the shells that surround areas of your heart. Ask Him to show you His heart and mold your
heart to be like His. He will. Let
God do His perfect work in you, so that you can release that life-giving
treasure within and nourish the world with His love and grace.
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