Your Heart's Desire

Today's reading: Romans 10-12

Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. Romans 10:1 NRSV

What is your heart's desire? What do you find yourself praying again and again to God?

For Paul, he wanted nothing better than the Jewish nation to believe in Jesus Christ. He wanted every one of his people to be saved.

He wasn't asking for wealth or property. He didn't covet power or a particular place to live. He wasn't desiring a soul mate or good friend. He did not even pray for perfect health. What he wanted most of all was for his people to believe in Jesus Christ.

And his actions showed that. Whenever Paul went to a new city, he began by preaching and teaching in the local synagogue. If his message was rejected, he would then go to the Gentiles. But he always began with his own people, in trying to fulfill his heart's desire. He truly believed that some day, somehow, God would include these people. He never discounted his Jewish family nor did he ignore them in favor of the Gentiles. They were his true hearts' desire. Yet, he also never pouted or gave up because they did not believe. He still shared the message of Christ with those who would accept him.

If you don't get your heart's desire, what will you do then?

God, you know our deepest desires and the yearnings of our hearts. We pray earnestly that these desires will be met. In the meantime, Lord, provide ways for us to continue to live as your people. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims