FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 9:17–18: For the Scripture says to the Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth.” Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
Before leaving this section, we need to discuss the “hardening” of Pharaoh. This hardening process is referred to at least fifteen times in Exodus 7–14. Sometimes we are told that Pharaoh hardened his heart, and other times that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart. By declaring His Word and revealing His power, God gave Pharaoh opportunity to repent; but instead, Pharaoh resisted God and hardened his heart. The fault lay not with God but Pharaoh. The same sunlight that melts the ice also hardens the clay. God was not unrighteous in His dealings with Pharaoh because He gave him many opportunities to repent and believe. 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
And Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the Lord had said. Exodus 7:13
Are you known for your determination to do good, or your stubbornness to do what pleases you? What is more important to you: to be right or to be humble? What is the condition of your heart: is it getting soft and tender, or mean and stubborn?
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
Mercy melts a heart; stubbornness hardens it.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. Matthew 19:8
Dear Father, please break my heart for what breaks Yours. Make me tender to hear Your Word and willing obey Your ways. In Jesus Name. Amen.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 544). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
