Exodus 8:15 “But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.”
Download He hardened his heart
Lost men often consider turning to God in the difficult times. When circumstances apply pressure, men begin to consider turning to their Creator for respite.
We may have spoken with people in the grip of immense turmoil and seen them genuinely struggling with issues of obedience and disobedience to God.
By in large, those who have rejected this prompting of the Spirit have done so in a period of momentary relief. They saw a faint light of rest at the end of their tunnel and chose to continue unaided.
As a result, future difficulties may have brought fewer thoughts of God, fewer thoughts of obedience, and continued reliance upon earthly strength.
God gave a moment of relief to Pharaoh, knowing His own plan, and acting in accordance to His own merciful character.
This man’s life was free from the curse of the frogs for a fleeting moment, giving him opportunity to either thank God or wipe his brow in relief and just press on.
In choosing the latter he brought upon himself greater suffering and ultimate destruction.
Let’s remember these thoughts as we encounter lost men grappling with God in the midst of trial.
Exodus 8:15 “But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.”