He hardened his heart.

But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said. Exodus 8:15

There are several examples in the Old Testament where God had hardened the hearts of men to accomplish his will and demonstrate his power. I’m sure we all know some in our lives who’s hearts are hardened. Have you ever stopped to consider that their hardness might be for God’s will to be fulfilled in you? So many times I have looked at the other person and seen obvious reasons why their hearts have been hardened. I was confused as to why they would stay that way, in hindsight I guess I was judging them. Until now, I never looked at them with hope and faith that someday God’s will would be fulfilled in them. While dealing with someone with a hard heart, we tend to get inpatient, unloving, and uncaring, which results in our own hearts hardening. If God has the power to Harden hearts, does He not have the power to unharden them?

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

The Great Depression

Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Luke 12:25

My great aunt used to tell us stories of when she grew up and went through the great depression. She said, “We never even knew we were in a depression, we were so poor we thought it was just normal.” Today, with the economy the way it is and the lifestyles we have all become accustomed to, we can say that some are experiencing their own ‘depression.’ Many are losing jobs, losing homes, gas prices are rising, and we are getting worried. But there is hope! All the Lord wants us to do is to depend on Him. “…O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:30-33. The Lord knows what we need and he presents us with the means to provide for ourselves and our families. It’s easy to become overwhelmed in the face of what seems a hopeless situation, but if we first put our faith in Him and be sure to give Him the glory He deserves, He will certainly provide us with what is necessary to live! Soon we will be able to say “I never even knew we were going through a depression” and not because you are poor, but because you are rich in spirit!