Leading Your Heart
by Gary Toh, Director of Prayer Ministry
The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve. (Jeremiah 17:9-10)
When I graduated from the university in Singapore, I was really excited to look for my dream job that will allow me to travel and see the world (and eat all the delicious food along the way).
An opportunity arose for a job that would require me to be stationed overseas and travel around the region. I went through a number of rounds of interviews and tests. I was so confident that I will get the job that I started to look for places where I could live. Finally, it came down to me and another candidate for the position. When I was told that I was not selected, I was devastated.
I had prayed earnestly and fasted (for one day) for the job. I was so, so disappointed with God. I started to question if I had prayed enough, read the Bible enough, and fasted enough. Deep in my heart I really felt that God let me down. It was during this time when the Lord reminded me that when He said He will grant the desires of my heart, it would be according to His heart and will.
Somehow I started having this desire to learn more about God and what He has in store for me. I started to pray not for what I wanted but for what He wanted. Long story short, I did end up working in ministry for 10 years before coming to Hawaii.
We have been told by people to follow the desires of our hearts. People say, "Follow your heart and your dreams will come true.” On the other hand, Matthew 15:19 says, "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander." So sometimes our heart may not be leading us to where the Lord wants us to be.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Instead of following our heart, we should be leading our heart towards God. When we trust Him with all our heart, the Lord will direct us to the path He has destined for us. Would you allow Him to lead your heart?
Prayer: Lord, please guide my heart. Show me what You desire for me. Show me the way to Your will. Guide me toward the direction You want me to go. Amen.
