“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

The Callous

I had an annoying callous on the ball of my foot from summer’s abuse of wearing flip flops and going barefoot. One day it was bothering me so much, I got out my nail clippers to do surgery. I effectively got rid of the roughness and hard spots. But it was raw and painful for a few days, needing antibiotic ointment and a band-aid. Since then, I’ve been soaking and applying lotion and rubbing in oil to soften it. I even treated myself to a pedicure with the extra softening treatment. It’s getting much better and not painful or bothersome anymore. I do have to continue to maintain with the lotion and oil. My feet now are able to serve my body well, accomplishing all I desire.

The Lord reminded me of an obvious spiritual lesson for this callous. My selfish heart needs the Lord’s treatment daily or it gets hard and stony. When it had gotten out of hand by not responding to the Lord’s leading, or by neglect, or just life’s burdens not given over to the Lord, causing callouses or rough spots, His spiritual surgery was necessary—my awareness and confession of my sins and the reality of my dependent need for Him. I felt raw and it was painful, like needing ointment and a band-aid, which is Jesus’ love, comfort and assurance. But, in time, with the Lord’s extra lotion and oil (His Word and the Holy Spirit) it is again useful, able to serve the body of Christ, as well as my family, or anything else He calls me to do.

I love it when the Lord shows us through physical things a spiritual lesson. It speaks loudly when we listen. I’m praying we all tend to our hearts’ daily needs by praying and spending time with the Lord. This keeps us prepared and ready for our daily life activities whether planned or surprises. We are His vessels ready to serve Him well, no matter where life has us.

Dear Lord, thank You for Your patience and healing touch that enables us to continue in our lives daily and in our service to You. Help us to remember Your daily lotion and oil, as well as our confession of sins and burdens we haven’t surrendered to You, that we don’t become calloused. Thank You for Your continued softening touch that keeps our hearts ready and willing. Amen.