Stubbornness often masquerades as strength, but in reality, it’s a symptom of our deeper heart wounds. Ezekiel 36:26 shows us that God desires to give us a heart of flesh, free from the hardened places caused by pain and trauma.
Stubbornness blocks us from receiving the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, patience, and gentleness (Galatians 5:22-23). True freedom comes when we allow Holy Spirit to heal those broken places.
When we find ourselves struggling with stubbornness or feel stuck, we can decide to explore where the root lies. In the process of healing, we will learn to identity the walls we’ve built in place of God’s protection, invite Him to reveal His true nature, in order to (when ready) let go of the walls we’ve built and instead rely on God’s strength, grace, and guidance. Isaiah 61:1 speaks of how Jesus came to bind up the brokenhearted and set the captives free – stubbornness included.
Holy Spirit leads us to freedom, healing, and wholeness when we allow Him to heal those deep places, and we will no longer need the walls of stubbornness. Instead, we find ourselves walking in the fullness of His grace. 🌿💫
Yup, there’s MORE waiting for you…
Listening Prayer Activation:
Healing Stubbornness Through Jesus
If you’re willing to be brave, take a moment to sit with Jesus and invite Him to reveal and heal the places in our hearts where stubbornness has formed as a result of trauma or hurt.
- Quiet your heart: Take a few deep breaths, welcoming the presence of Jesus. Silence all lies in Jesus name. Invite Holy Spirit to lead you. With the eyes of your heart (Eph 1:18), see Jesus’ loving gaze upon you.
- Ask Jesus: “Where in my heart has stubbornness taken root as a form of protection?” Allow Him to bring to mind any specific situations, memories, or emotions.
- Listen: Be open to what Jesus shows you, whether it’s a memory, feeling, or picture. Write it down if necessary.
- Ask: “Jesus, what trauma or hurt caused me to build this wall of stubbornness?” Wait for Him to reveal the root source of the wound.
- Invite healing: “Jesus, I give you this part of my heart. Will You heal the wounds behind my stubbornness?” Sit quietly and let Him minister to your heart. (Take this slow.)
- Ask: “What truth do You want to replace this stubbornness with?” Listen carefully to what Jesus wants to tell you. It could be a word, Scripture, or an image of His love.
- (This part is not to be forced. Only when ready…)
Respond in surrender: “Jesus, I surrender this stubbornness to You. Please replace it with Your freedom and grace.” - Gratitude: Thank Jesus for the healing He has started, even if it’s just the beginning of a journey.
- Ask: “Holy Spirit, come and seal the healing that has begun in my heart, mind and will. Be my source of wisdom as I seek to walk this out, choosing Jesus as my Good Shepherd. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Reflection Scripture:
- Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV): “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Next Steps:
If you sense there’s more to uncover or deeper healing needed, reach out for a private session. Together, we can invite Jesus to bring full restoration to the wounded areas of your heart and experience the freedom He offers. Let’s journey into the fullness of His healing power.
Reach out today for a private session, and together we can invite God into those places for His transforming work.
Let’s step into freedom together! 🌿💛
www.merriellen.com
Merri Ellen Giesbrecht
Christian Life Coach & Spiritual Director
Following and Trusting : Encountering God Out of the Box 
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