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I had this moment this morning as I was reading Romans. I have been reading it in the Mirror translation – which I really really like, and as I was reading chapter 9 of Romans this verse hit me in a new way.
The same act of mercy that He willingly bestows on everyone, may bless the one and harden the heart of the other. Romans 9:18
Read that again. 
and one more time.
Are you catching the same thing I did or am?
How often have we been told God blesses who he wants and hardens the heart of who he wants.
Does that sound like a God who can only give life ? That can only give good and perfect gifts to his children?
Wouldn’t that make God an angry God picking and choosing who he like and doesn’t like ?
The SAME ACT of MERCY that he WILLINGLY bestows on EVERYONE, may bless the one and harden the heart of the other.
Is it possible that it is in how we receive the mercy – which is the gift ?
He gives us mercy and by receiving his mercy, we see his blessings.
He gives us mercy and we reject it, which causes my heart to become hardened, bitter and like stone.
Could it be that God is and always will be loving, but it is in how we receive his mercy ?
For example: I do something I know is wrong, but God’s mercy is being poured down over me and I begin the process of repentance, forgiveness and blessings.
I do something I know is wrong, God’s mercy is being poured out, but I think I know better, I find excuses, and do not seek forgiveness, which leads to bitterness and hardness of heart .
I don’t think God is out to harden anyone’s heart – He is always bestowing mercy – but how we handle or receive that mercy ….
So how are you receiving His mercy today ?
Are you feeling blessed or hardened ?
One Day Legacy 
Hi Kim,
Great blog. I have often wondered about where the Bible says God hardened the Pharaohs heart. Now I get it. Excellent explanation. It’s making me look at the 10 plagues in a new light. After I read this another friend of mine posted on FB this quote. “The same boiling water that softens the potato, hardens the egg. It’s not about the circumstance but rather what you’re made of” Seems to go right with this. Thanks
Wayne
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really good ! I am also rethinking many of the ‘negative’ scriptures we use and seeing them in new light.
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Kim,
When I read Romans 9:18, I noticed in context Paul was referring to the Pharaoh of the exodus.
God raised up this particular Pharaoh for the purpose of showing HIS power.
Exodus 9:16 For in truth I have placed thee to declare my power in thee, and THAT MY NAME MAY BE DECLARED THROUGHOUT ALL THE EARTH.
God clearly hardened Pharaoh’s heart
Exo_10:27 Exo_11:10
BUT
Pharaoh hardened his own heart several times
Exo_7:22 Exo_8:15 Exo_8:32
I do not think it is in God’s plan to harden believer’s hearts.
But I do see your point in God warning us not to harden our own hearts.
That can happen through the deceitfulness of sin.
Heb 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
If we ask Him to “plow up our fallow ground” he can plant seeds of righteousness into the garden of our hearts. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. He is the one who teaches us righteousness.
Hosea 10:12 Sow yourselves unto righteousness, reap yourselves unto mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is the time to seek the LORD until he comes and teaches you righteousness.
Some reach out and receive it; some do not.
Life is a series of choices.
God is like a coin. He has 2 sides. The one side is the God of wrath. He hates sin and must punish sin because of his holy nature.
The other side is mercy and compassion. God’s mercy side is shown by coming to earth in the form of a man named Jesus and offering Himself as the final sacrifice for the sin curse.
Whoever embraces this plan of redemption and truly believes God raised Jesus from the dead, will inherit eternal life.
Those who believe willingly accept the LORDship of Jesus and desire to follow HIM in obedience to the will of God.
God’s mercy is always THERE. Available to everyone.
God IS and always WILL be loving, but He also has the wrath side.
I believe and accept God’s mercy. I do not want to experience God’s wrath. It’s either one way or the other way. I choose the one way…Jesus.
Mat 9:13 Therefore go ye and learn what this is, I will have mercy and not sacrifice, for I am not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.
I began following your blog. It is good to think on these things.
Blessings to you and your family, dear sister.
Marcia Paisley
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