Beware a strong will which can lead to a hardened heart. Unlike the rest of God’s creation, God gave us a free will. With that gift comes enormous responsibility. If because of pride we say “NO” to God’s will (Salvaton), God’s word (The Bible), and/or God’s way (The HS), we subject ourselves to God’s judgment which includes the hardening of our hearts. Notice the results of Pharaoh‘s rejection of God:
Ex. 7:13 “And he hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.”
V22b-23 “...and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said. And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.”
V14 “And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.”
LESSON - How can we be assured that our hearts will remain “soft” towards the things of God?
1. Submit to God by responding IMMEDIATELY to His word and the Holy Spirit’s leading, just like the day when you said “yes” to salvation.
Heb. 3:7-8a “Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts,”
V15 “While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts,”
2. Examine your heart every day, confessing to God and repenting of all forms of stubbornness, selfishness, and pride.
V12 “Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.”
Please don’t allow your strong will to lead you away from the Lord! There’s no greater misery in this life than to be a Christian who chooses to live outside of the will of God.
~Mike