You can’t change people - Jentezen Franklin Daily Devotional (June-30-2022)

Published in Jentezen Franklin

Jentezen Franklin (June-30-2022) Daily Devotional: You can’t change people

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Pr 13:12 NKJV

You say, “Surely a man or woman can change when they meet the right partner?” No. Only God can change people—and you are not God! Plus, when you “need to be needed,” it can cause you to make disastrous relationship choices in life. Perhaps you have heard stories of people who have experienced massive change through their marriage. But the truth is, the power to change must come from within the person themselves, not from you. When you try to change your spouse, it doesn’t work, and eventually your “hope” for change makes you “sick.” In The Message, Eugene Peterson paraphrases Solomon’s words: “Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick.” When you keep longing for and envisioning something that never materializes, you get heartsick. Then you start making excuses for what’s not working in the relationship, even as it becomes obvious to those around you. Sound relationship decisions are not based on hope.

And add to this the fact that people of faith often try to spiritualize every issue. In the name of “faith,” they dumb down their instincts and ignore their senses. That’s not having faith in God! Faith in God should be just that—faith in God. We must not place our faith in fallible men and women, because they will fail us. God gives each of us a will, but He doesn’t force us to change. Change must come from within each of us as we accept the grace that God extends to us each day. “The Lord opened [Lydia’s] heart to heed the things spoken by Paul” (Ac 16:14 NKJV). Here is a better option: Pray for them, and let God change them!

Subscribe and Get Sermons and Messages by Jentezen Franklin DIRECTLY TO YOUR INBOX!

You can’t change people - Jentezen Franklin Daily Devotional (June-30-2022)
Written by

Leave a comment

Jentezen Franklin

Jentezen Franklin is the Senior Pastor of Free Chapel, a multi-campus church. Each week his television program, Kingdom Connection, is broadcast on major networks all over the world. A New York Times best-selling author, Jentezen has written ten books including his most recent Acres of Diamonds, Love Like You’ve Never Been Hurt, the groundbreaking Fasting and Right People-Right Place-Right Plan.
Jentezen and his wife Cherise have been mar ...

© 2013 - 2024 Sermons Online. All Rights Reserved.
× Progressive Web App | Add to Homescreen

To install this Web App in your iPhone/iPad press icon. Progressive Web App | Share ButtonAnd then Add to Home Screen.

× Install Web App
Mobile Phone
Offline - No Internet Connection