Pharaoh said….Go, worship the Lord as you have requested.32 Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me.” Exodus 12:31-32. NIV.
Why did God harden Pharaoh’s heart again and again after each of the 9 previous plagues? Because he was not totally broken. Each time, he was giving Moses partial concessions that God was requiring. After the 10th plague, Pharaoh and all of the Egyptians hearts were turned favorably toward the people of God and then they gave them treasures. Notice also, that Pharaoh asked Moses to “bless him.”
Possibly, those with hardened hearts will continue to have difficulties in their lives through which God could use to reveal their need for him.(although some have no difficulties-that’s another text). Listen to the heart of those going through crisis to see if they are turning toward the Lord for mercy. Pray that they will look to the Lord Jesus for his grace, mercy, and provision. Pray that they will resist making “deals” with God, but turn to him “whole heartedly” as their Lord and king.
We don’t pray for bad things to happen…it is God’s kindness that leads to repentance. BUT whenever crisis (health issues, broken relationships, financial troubles, or death of loved ones) comes into their lives IT IS an open door for hearts to turn. God is near to the brokenhearted.
Blessings. Love y’all