There are moments in time when the emotions of those surrounding us are so intense that an uncontrollable and overwhelming transference occurs. I believe that praying to have a heart like Jesus opens our emotional floodgates; making us more aware of others and bringing us into a closer walk with Him.
Sitting with my daughter yesterday in the waiting room of the infusion center at the WVU cancer center, just happened to be one of those moments. My daughter had been dealing with low iron levels that were not responding to taking capsules by mouth, so an infusion was recommended to build her iron levels more quickly in order to restore her energy.
The online Oxford Language dictionary defines the word infusion as, “the introduction of a new element or quality into something.” Further commentary implies infusion as “the pouring in of something that gives new life or significance.“ With a little more research I was truly intrigued to find that leaven is a synonym for infusion.
My heart always overflows with joy when God rushes in through the floodgates of my heart to turn emotional moments into teaching moments. The clinic atmosphere was full of patients, nurse, IVs and uncertainty, yet I felt God’s presence in such a strong, peaceful and reassuring way. He guided me to 1 Corinthians 5:6 where His Word makes reference to leaven and speaks to how “…a little leaven leavens the whole lump.” In this Biblical reference, leaven is not referring to yeast that causes bread to rise, but rather to sin. However, just as we would mix yeast throughout our bread dough to cause it rise uniformly, allowing “leaven“ (sin) into our lives and relationships, can have the same effect. When we open our minds and hearts to sinful thoughts, words and subsequently actions, our hearts and souls can be gradually “leavened“ (changed ) to harbor this negativity and block our spiritual growth.
With the gentleness of a loving Father, He used an emotional waiting room moment to teach me more about His Word and who He truly is. He showed me how easy it is to be infused by the things of the world, yet how much sweeter life is when we choose to be infused by Him.
Luke 6:45 (NKJV) “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”
Dear Gracious Heavenly Father ,
I thank You for always being present and patient with me. Thank You for Your Word that shows me what I need to do to become more like You. I want my heart to be like Yours, and I welcome You to show me where I need to change. I want my words to bring forth life and good treasures to others. I choose today and every day to be infused by You, and I refuse to be leavened by the ways of this world. Thank You for being my hope and my strength.
In the mighty name of Jesus I pray,
Amen and Amen