Because of the Hardness of Your Heart

In Mark 10, the Pharisees ask Jesus about divorce. Short version: He tells them it was permitted only "because of the hardness of [their] heart." God had designed marriage for one man and one woman for life, for them to become one. In their quest to do things their way, some of the Israelites had defiled their marriages. God made provision through divorce so no further sin or harm would come, mostly, with regard to wives. And even then, He did not view divorce lightly. Jesus reiterates that, though it was "permitted," that was not the design; divorce has consequences and stipulations. God wants His people to choose Him and His plan, but if they refuse, He remains their loving Father and has even taken measures to protect them from themselves!

I began to wonder how many things He had "permitted" in my life because of the hardness of my heart. How many times had I defied what I knew to be right, and God protected me from myself? How often had I gotten a glimpse of God's plan and thought, "Oh, no! That's not gonna work," and made my own way -- seemingly unchecked?

Could I have been a mother to the child that threatened my future? "[I will ] give you a future and a hope." (emphasis mine)

Is it possible I could have remained married to an adulterous husband? "For with God nothing will be impossible."

Could I have forgiven my father and had a relationship with him? "Love will cover a multitude of sins." 

What if I had gone to the Lord about my loneliness instead of seeking fulfillment in others? "He will quiet you with His love."

"Because of the hardness of my heart" I hurt someone, I murdered my child, I lost my house, I lost a relationship with my family, I suffered physical injury, I inflicted emotional pain, and I failed to realize all that God could have done in my situations. I failed to "taste and see the Lord is good; blessed is the one who trusts in Him!"

Does any hardness remain in my heart today -- hardness that keeps me from doing things exactly as God wills? Are there things I am trying to fix or avoid, or maybe just "rework" a little? What if I meet them head on with Jesus at my side? What if I meet them head on with Jesus leading the charge?

Do not allow the hardness of your heart to determine the outcome of your situation.