Murray leafed through his final proposal one last time. He needed it to be sound to prove to Mr. Phelan that the workers were ready to go to the next phase. With each change, the owner had given him ten different reasons why he didn’t feel they were.

Every time Murray thought he would agree, the man’s heart had hardened to the idea. Will he have another excuse this time?

If this doesn’t work, I’m not sure what will.

Aiden paced.

“Will you sit,” Murray said. “You’re making me nervous.”

Aiden slumped in the chair. “What’s taking him so long?”

“He’s just proving a point. He’s in control.”

The office door opened and Mr. Phelan breezed in. “Morning boys. What can I do for you? More ideas?”

Boys?

Murray pulled his shoulders back and pushed his presentation folder across the table. “We prepared our final proposal. Open to page 15. You’ll see our latest updates there.”

Mr. Phelan pulled his reading glasses from his pocket and flipped pages.

Murray waited.

The owner slammed the folder shut. “This is ridiculous. You’re threatening a law suit?”

“If that’s what it takes,” Murray said.

Mr. Phelan stood and pointed to the door. “Fine, you have your agreement. Now leave. Take your workers with you and get it done.”

Murray eyed Aiden and caught the smirk on his co-worker’s face.

Yes! They did it.

Have you ever known someone with a hardened heart? Someone who just wouldn’t listen to reason? We all have. There’s always one in every crowd. In Moses’ story it was Pharaoh. However, in this case God had hardened the man’s heart. Why and what can we learn from this phase of Moses’ journey?

Even though Moses knew God had hardened Pharaoh’s heart, he still obeyed. God had told Moses from the beginning He would do this. Why? It was all part of His master plan. Maybe He was teaching Moses and the Israelites patience. Moses obeyed anyway. We need to do the same and ask God what He’s trying to teach us in every situation. Sometimes it’s a tough lesson, but it helps us grow.

Moses stayed positive. After being rejected each time, Moses went back to God to get the next instruction. And then he returned to Pharaoh to tell him what was going to happen. Pharaoh said he would let the people go, but every time he reneged. Did Moses get frustrated? Probably, but he stayed positive and kept on going. It’s that perseverance thing again. I confess…this week I failed in this area. I had a “Pharaoh” of my own to deal with and I lost my patience. It’s tough. However, I will put a smile back on and try to stay positive! I think I can, I think I can!

Moses didn’t back down. When faced with rejection Moses kept at it. Again—another tough one. As a writer, getting rejected is all part of the process. You need to develop a thick skin. Moses had one. Do we?

When we come face-to-face with someone with a hardened heart what do we do? Walk away? Or do what we’re called to do anyway? It’s tough and we need to pray for guidance. There are times when we need to turn around and leave. However, knowing that fine line is important. We could be just what that person needs in that particular moment.

Another question to ponder. Are we the ones with the hearts needing softened? Maybe we’re stuck in a rut and pulling everyone around us down. Praying for God to change our hearts is the right medicine.

Don’t have a hardened heart. It can turn to stone if we’re not careful.

How do you approach someone with a hardened heart? Share your tips. They could help us all!

Exodus 10:20 (NIV)

“But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go.”

In Your Arms – Meredith Andrews

This week has been a challenging one for me and I think the most stressed I’ve been in a long time. I found myself listening to Meredith Andrews—a lot! There’s just something about her lyrics and sweet voice that draws me in. I told my sister I was planning on sticking my head in the sand like an ostrich this weekend. I didn’t want to have to deal with anything. When I listened to this song as I went for a walk, it hit me. I don’t want to stick my head in the sand, but fall face down on the floor and rest in His arms.

That’s where we find peace and a positive heart.