Devotions: God Can Change Hearts

Take your brother also, and arise, return to the man; and may God Almighty grant you compassion in the sight of the man, so that he will release to you your other brother and Benjamin. And as for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.

Genesis 43:13-14 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Jacob said this to his sons. They had gone to Egypt to buy food during a famine and the “vice president” kept one of their brothers, demanding that they bring their youngest as proof that they were not spies. Jacob loved his youngest more than anything, and initially could not bear to be parted from him. But after a while, it was clear they would have to return for more food, and they could not do so without him. Jacob allowed them to go, gave them many gifts to use for their favor, and trusted God to take care of them. It is important to note that if we are to receive compassion and mercy from others, we must first ask God. He holds the hearts of all men (and women) in His hands. He can turn them as He wants. We must first beseech God to grant us favor with them, and then go and do what we can. It may be that without God’s intervention, we would meet with failure. It may also happen that He will turn an otherwise hostile heart. Seek the compassion of others, but first seek the compassion of God. He can move hearts where we could not.