Locations & Times

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. —Ezekiel 36:26 (NKJV)

I often talk with atheists because I was once one myself. I want so badly for them to follow the evidence to where it truly leads … that God is real and that salvation comes through Jesus alone. I can present evidence that challenges their worldview, pointing to truths only explained by God’s existence, but instead of considering it, many dismiss or argue for explanations that are often unreasonable or illogical.

Why do so many continue in skepticism and unbelief? It’s not for lack of evidence, because the evidence led me to faith. It’s more about the soil of the heart.

In Matthew 13:3-9, Jesus tells a parable about a farmer scattering seed. In verses 18-23, He explains that the seed represents the truth of God’s Word, and the soil represents the condition of our hearts.

Jesus describes four types of soil:

• Hard-packed soil – A heart that doesn’t understand the truth or chooses to resist or ignore it.
• Rocky soil – A heart with shallow faith that fades when life gets difficult.
• Thorny soil – A heart choked by distractions, culture, or worldly desires.
• Good soil – A heart that welcomes, understands, and allows God’s Word to take root and produce lasting transformation.

Preparing the Soil of Our Hearts

Many assume bad soil stays bad forever, but the truth is, soil can be worked, cultivated, and prepared for growth. The same is true for our hearts. If we want a faith that lasts, where God’s truth takes root, we must be willing to prepare ourselves.

How do we do that?

• Seek understanding instead of avoiding hard questions. It’s easy to stop when we don’t have an immediate answer, but faith deepens when we wrestle with doubt and pursue truth.
• Be willing to change. Pride keeps us stuck, but humility allows growth. Real transformation happens when we let God reshape our thinking, even when it challenges us.
• Evaluate what competes for our heart. Where we invest our time, money, and energy reveals what we truly value. Look for ways to bring God into your daily life—through prayer, Scripture, or worship.
• Believe truth over culture or personal preference. Just because society affirms something doesn’t make it true. God’s Word is the ultimate authority, even when it’s countercultural.

True change doesn’t come from just hearing the truth; it comes when we allow it to take root and transform us. The work of transformation is not always easy but it’s necessary to produce good fruit. If we don’t put in the effort, weeds (false beliefs, lies, distractions) will take over, hardening our hearts and choking out the truth.

As plants need nourishment, our hearts need reminders of God’s truth. In the Old Testament, the Israelites placed God’s law on their clothes, homes, and gates to keep His Word at the forefront of their lives. We can do the same by surrounding ourselves with Scripture on our desk, in our car, or on our phone. (This can also help remind us of the truth in the tough times.) Stay engaged in church, join a Bible study, find ways to serve, and commit to reading God’s Word.

Ask Yourself:

• Am I genuinely seeking truth, or am I looking for reasons to stay as I am?
• What areas of my heart need to be softened or cleared for God’s Word?
• What distractions are holding me back from becoming who God wants me to be?
• Am I willing to let go of my pride and trust that God’s way is better than my own?

Jesus doesn’t force change, He invites us into it. Transformation begins when we stop resisting and allow Him to do the deep work within.

Are you ready?