His Word, Words of Endurance
Hard Heart
And the Lord told Moses,
“When you arrive back in Egypt,
go to Pharaoh and perform all the miracles
I have empowered you to do.
But I will harden his heart so
he will refuse to let the people go.”
EXODUS 4:21 (NLT)
The first time I read the words “I will harden his heart,” I realized that God has more power and control over human lives than we often think. Although Pharaoh hardened his own heart during the first five plagues, God confirmed Pharaoh’s willful action by hardening Pharaoh’s heart in the remaining plagues.
Here’s what occurred to me as I considered that concept: When I’m struggling with issues in my own heart, issues I feel powerless to change, I need to remember that God can influence and even change the human heart. But I have to ask. I have to surrender. And ultimately, I have to trust that God will do it in his own time.
Create in me a clean heart, O God.
Renew a loyal spirit within me.
PSALM 51:10 (NLT)
ON THE JOURNEY WITH YOU,
JAN DRAVECKY
