Hardened Heart

"But when Pharaoh saw that there was relief, he hardened his heart and did not heed them, as the Lord had said." Exodus 8:15

The second plague God allows to occur is the infestation of frogs. Frogs are described to be on and in every possible open surface, including inside the houses, within every crevice of each and every appliance, and even residing on top of people. There is no escape.

If the ten plagues of Egypt is a depiction of sin, the second plague specifically characterizes sin as annoying and pertinacious. Sin invades every part of one's life. There is no escape, aside from God. This realization beckons Pharaoh to relent, and surrender to Moses' request. However, the moment there is relief, Pharaoh's heart is hardened again.

In our lives, sin left untended to will fester and irritate. No matter how hard we try to ignore it, the effects and consequences of sin will continue to infest every part of our lives. However, when God allows a moment of relief, how do we respond? Do we allow sin to return? So often, we take advantage of God’s mercy, and we harden our hearts. We forget the pain of sin because our hearts are so calloused, and we fall again.

Dear God,

Help me not to be like Pharaoh. When sin enters my life, please remove it and help me to never let it return. Soften my heart so that I will be able to resist turning away from You.