Have you ever wondered what it means to have a hardened heart? And more importantly, what causes it and how to overcome it? This is one of the most powerful truths the Lord has shown me—a revelation I’ve been teaching on for over forty years.
Most people don’t realize it, but every one of us has areas where our heart is hardened toward God.
To illustrate this, look at the story where Jesus told His disciples to cross the lake just before a storm. They hesitated, but He insisted they go. Later that night, He saw them struggling and came walking on the water.
About the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
Mark 6:48
I love this. Jesus was literally walking on top of the very thing threatening their lives. You might be in a crisis right now, wondering, Lord, is this too big for You? But nothing is too big for Him.
I once prayed for a man who listed half a dozen serious problems—neck pain, back pain, sciatica, all the way down to his feet. Then he said, “If I could just get rid of the neck pain, I could live with the rest.”
I looked at him and said, “Well, I understand. Maybe God can’t do it all at once. If we asked Him to heal you from head to toe, the lights in heaven might dim.”
The man chuckled and admitted, “That was really stupid, wasn’t it?” Yes, it was. But many of us think that way without realizing it. We act like our problems are bigger than God’s power.
The disciples did the same. They were terrified, straining at the oars, while Jesus calmly walked on the water. Whatever you’re facing—doctor’s report, finances, or family trouble—it’s nothing for Jesus.
Notice the Scripture says He “would have passed by them.” He wasn’t out for a stroll; He was there to help. But He wasn’t going to force Himself on them. He came close enough for them to see Him, but if they hadn’t cried out, He would have walked on.
We sometimes wonder, If God really loves me, why doesn’t He just fix my problem? But that’s not how His kingdom works. Ephesians 3:20 says that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think—according to the power that works in us. His power flows in proportion to the faith and love operating in us.
That’s why Jesus appeared as though He would pass by. He was waiting for their response of faith.
When the disciples saw Him, they cried out in fear. And when Jesus entered the boat, the wind ceased, and the disciples were “sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered” (Mark 6:51).
I know exactly what that feels like. Years ago, I tried to minister healing to a man in a wheelchair. In my zeal, I pulled him up, and he fell flat on his face. That really bothered me. I had seen the dead raised, so unbelief wasn’t the issue. Healing is God’s will. Jesus never refused anyone who came to Him in faith. So why wasn’t I seeing more results? I prayed about this for a long time.
Then one day, while flying into Chicago, I was reading Mark 6:51–52: “They were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.”
That hit me hard. The disciples were amazed because their hearts were hardened—and I realized mine was too.
A hardened heart will keep you from receiving what God has already made available. But once you recognize it, you can train your heart to focus more on the Word than on circumstances. When you do, you’ll stop being “sore amazed” and start living in the miraculous as your normal.
If this encouraged you, please visit my website at awmi.net, where you’ll find additional free teachings and resources. If you need prayer, I encourage you to call my Helpline at 719-635-1111, where one of my trained prayer ministers would love to pray with you.
We love you,
[Signature: Andrew and Jamie]