WHEN GOD HARDENS A MAN'S HEART AN ACT OF JUDICIAL JUDGEMENT (PART 5)

 You shall not be overwhelmed by crisis but greatly strengthened  because of the anointing of God's favour upon you. 

Good -Life Devotional: WHEN GOD HARDENS A MAN'S HEART AN ACT OF JUDICIAL JUDGEMENT (PART 5) 

By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi 

PRACTICAL APPLICATION: GUARDING AGAINST A HARDENED HEART

The Bible warns that a hardened heart leads to spiritual blindness, rebellion, and ultimately separation from God. Pharaoh, the Pharisees, and even Jesus' disciples at times struggled with hardness of heart. So how can we ensure that we remain receptive to God?

1. RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS OF A HARDENED HEART

A hardened heart does not happen overnight. It is a gradual process that results from resisting God’s truth. Here are some warning signs:

RESISTANCE TO CONVICTION – When we ignore the Holy Spirit’s prompting, we start becoming numb to sin (Ephesians 4:18-19).

LACK OF REPENTANCE – A hardened heart refuses to acknowledge sin and turn to God (Romans 2:5).

DIMINISHED LOVE FOR GOD’S WORD – If we no longer hunger for Scripture, our hearts may be growing cold (Hebrews 5:11-12).

PRIDE AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY – Pharaoh’s downfall was his pride; humility keeps our hearts soft (James 4:6).

UNBELIEF AND DOUBT – The Pharisees saw Jesus’ miracles but refused to believe (John 12:37-40).

If we notice these signs, we must take action before our hearts grow even harder.

2. HOW TO KEEP A SOFT HEART TOWARD GOD

A. DAILY SURRENDER AND REPENTANCE

Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Daily confession keeps our hearts sensitive to God’s voice (1 John 1:9).

Ask God to reveal any areas of resistance in your heart.

B. HUMILITY BEFORE GOD

Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”

Pharaoh’s pride led to his hardening. We must cultivate humility and dependence on God.

C. OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S WORD

Hebrews 3:15 – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”

When we hear God's Word, we must respond immediately. Delayed obedience can lead to resistance.

D. STAY CONNECTED TO CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Hebrews 3:13 – “Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

Being around other believers helps keep our hearts accountable and responsive.

E. CULTIVATE A SOFT HEART THROUGH WORSHIP AND PRAYER

Worship refocuses our hearts on God and keeps them tender.

Ezekiel 36:26 – “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

Ask God to give you a heart that is receptive to His leading.

  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word and sensitivity to the leading of his Spirit.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive him as lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to destroy the works of satan .

+2348035536911, +2348098636911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com