Why God harden hearts

To harden one's heart means to stubbornly resist, ignore, or reject the truth or guidance that is presented. In the case of Pharaoh, it was not just a matter of him desiring to have a tender heart and turn to God. There was an underlying rebellion within him, and he consistently tried to cover up his true intentions. Many people may have strong feelings or beliefs but choose not to speak out about them, often compromising for various reasons. Similarly, Pharaoh did not genuinely want to let the children of Israel go; instead, he wanted to appear benevolent while masking his true motives. In response to this, God planned to expose Pharaoh's true nature, making him reveal what was truly in his heart. It can be compared to God taking Pharaoh to court and challenging him to be truthful and consistent, as it is incongruous to say one thing and do another. This serves as a reminder that on the day of judgment, every individual will be seen as they truly are, without any pretense or falsehood. Nothing can be hidden, and the true nature of each person will be revealed.

God's deliverance does not always come as a simple and effortless solution. Instead, it often involves addressing the root causes of the problem. When we pray for deliverance, it is possible that the situation may initially worsen. This can occur because in order for God to bring about something new, the underlying issues or "dirty laundry" that needs to be sorted, washed, and aired out must be addressed. An example of this can be seen in the story of Abraham and Sarah. Before the birth of their son Isaac, they had to confront their sins, including their fears and tendency to lie. These issues had become chronic, and God allowed them to face trials, such as the encounter with Abimelech, to expose their lies. For decades, they had been pretending that Sarah was Abraham's sister, particularly when they were in the presence of Pharaoh. Although Pharaoh detested and feared the children of Israel, he was adept at using political strategies to mask his true intentions with pious remarks and acts that projected fairness. However, God was going to make him reveal his true colors. This underscores the idea that genuine deliverance often requires facing and resolving deep-rooted issues rather than seeking a quick and easy way out.