In what ways can we trust God's plan when facing hardened hearts today? Setting the Scene: Exodus 11:10 “Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the LORD hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that he would not let the Israelites go out of his land.” God’s Sovereignty Over Hardened Hearts • The text plainly states that the LORD Himself “hardened Pharaoh’s heart.” • Scripture treats this as historical fact, underscoring God’s absolute rule over human choices without denying human responsibility (see Romans 9:17-18). • Because He governed Pharaoh’s obstinacy then, He remains in control of every resistant heart we meet today. Reasons We Can Trust His Plan When Hearts Resist • His PURPOSE is redemptive – Exodus 7:5: “The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD”. Hardened hearts became a stage for God’s self-revelation. – Today, moments of rejection often become platforms for the gospel’s clarity (Philippians 1:12-13). • His TIMING is perfect – Exodus 12:41 records Israel leaving “at the end of 430 years, to the very day.” Delay was not neglect but precision. – 2 Peter 3:9 affirms the same patience in our era: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… but is patient with you”. • His POWER is unrivaled – Ten plagues dismantled Egypt’s idols one by one (Exodus 12:12). – Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases”. No modern opposition outranks Him. • His JUSTICE will prevail – Exodus 14:4 predicts, “I will gain glory for Myself over Pharaoh.” Vindication arrived at the Red Sea. – Revelation 19:1-2 looks forward to a final, public display of that same justice. How to Respond Faithfully Today • Keep obeying the last command God gave (as Moses did—Exodus 11:9). • Speak truth plainly yet graciously (Ephesians 4:15). • Pray for God to replace hearts of stone with hearts of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26). • Rest in His promises rather than in visible results (2 Corinthians 5:7). • Encourage one another with testimonies of past deliverance (Psalm 78:4). Anchoring Our Hope in His Promises • Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God”. • Isaiah 55:11: His word “will not return to Me empty.” • Hebrews 10:23: “He who promised is faithful.” Living the Lesson • Expect hardened hearts; they do not nullify God’s agenda. • Stand firm: obedience positions us to witness His power. • Trust the bigger picture: today’s resistance may set up tomorrow’s deliverance. |
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