Adapted from Daily Wisdom for Women 2021 Devotional Collection
But the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, making it strong and obstinate, and he did not listen to them or heed them, just as the Lord had told Moses.
Exodus 9:12 AMPC
Did you notice it was God who hardened Pharaoh’s heart? So often, we’re the ones to harden our own heart because we hold on to bitterness. We cling to unforgiveness. We choose to live offended, refusing to embrace peace. Even more, we proudly wear it as a badge of honor. We justify our hard heart by listing all the ways we’ve been wronged.
Yet other times, it’s God who hardens hearts. Why do you think He’d do that? Since it always does, how could God’s hardening of hearts benefit us and glorify Him?
Maybe it’s because it provides an opportunity for His magnificence to be highlighted. Think about it. Have you ever seen a 180-degree positive turnaround in someone’s attitude and thought That had to be God? Maybe He hardens hearts—be it ours or someone we love—because it forces us to learn patience and grace. It teaches us perseverance and how to love like Christ loves. And while we may not understand why He does what He does, having faith means we choose to trust Him regardless.
A hard heart has purpose, and so does the moment it becomes fleshy again. Trust God through them both.
Lord, please give me perspective so I can understand the condition of my heart and the hearts of those I love.