HOW THE LORD HARDENS THE HEARTS OF MEN

 

You shall eat the good of the land because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good -Life Devotional:
HOW THE LORD HARDENS THE HEARTS OF MEN
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Psalms 37:35-36 "I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree.
Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found."
    The Bible records several occasions where the Lord “hardens” human hearts, meaning He allows individuals or nations to persist in stubbornness against His will. This is never arbitrary cruelty; rather, it is God’s judicial response to persistent rebellion, turning people over to their chosen path (Romans 1:24–28).
   A well-known example is Pharaoh of Egypt. Though Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his own heart (Exodus 8:15, 32), God confirmed this hardness to display His power through the plagues and Israel’s deliverance (Exodus 4:21; 9:12; 14:4). Similarly, Sihon king of Heshbon refused Israel peaceful passage because “the LORD your God hardened his spirit”  (Deuteronomy 2:30),  leading to his defeat.
   In Joshua 11:20, God hardened the hearts of Canaanite kings so they would battle Israel, fulfilling His promise to give the land to His people. In 2 Chronicles 25:20, Amaziah’s refusal to listen was attributed to God, ensuring judgment. Even Israel as a nation sometimes experienced hardness, as Isaiah laments: “Why have You made us stray from Your ways, and hardened our heart from Your fear?” (Isaiah 63:17).
   The New Testament also speaks of God hardening. John 12:40 and Romans 11:8 affirm that blindness and hardness came upon Israel to fulfill prophecy and open salvation to Gentiles. In the last days, God will send a strong delusion on those who reject truth (2 Thessalonians 2:11–12).
  In every case, hardening is both a divine act and a human choice. God’s hardening seals a person’s persistent resistance, turning it into an instrument for His purposes and ultimate glory.
  In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's word a willing heart .
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 walk in obedience to your will.
+2348035536911, email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com