When God Strikes at Our Idols: A Reflective Journey Through Pharaoh’s Story: Exodus 10

December 1st, 2025
by Richie Cancel

Introduction:

Hey there! Have you ever felt like your heart's in the wrong place sometimes? If so, you're not alone. The story of Moses and Pharaoh is more than just a tale from the pages of history; it's a revealing reflection of the struggles and stubbornness we face in our own lives. Today, we'll walk through some chapters in Exodus that challenge us to examine our own hearts and recognize the idols that might be lurking there, blocking us from experiencing true freedom in God.

Exodus 9:12

"But the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he did not listen to them, just as the Lord had spoken to Moses."

The Hurdles Before We Serve

The Dangerous Game of a Hard Heart

Is Your Heart Hardening Towards God?

Pharaoh's story in Exodus is a cautionary tale about the consequences of a hardened heart. Before God ever intervened, Pharaoh had already hardened his heart six times. Each opportunity was a chance to embrace humility and surrender to God's will, but Pharaoh chose pride and self-importance instead.

The Hebrew word "kabod," used to describe these early instances, means to make heavy or hard and is closely related to honoring oneself. This illustrates a profound point: by resisting God, Pharaoh was prioritizing his own pride, power, and position over submission to God. Sound familiar? We, too, often cling to these same idols, refusing to let go of our self-determined plans and desires.

When God Strengthens Our Resolve

How Does God Use Our Decisions?

In Exodus 9:12, there’s a shift both in language and responsibility. The phrase "God hardened Pharaoh’s heart" utilizes a different Hebrew word, "hazak," meaning to strengthen. This change underscores a critical understanding: God wasn’t forcibly altering Pharaoh’s will but rather reinforcing the path Pharaoh had already chosen.

Romans 1 talks about God giving people over to their desires, which serves as a powerful and rather sobering reminder. God will not always restrain our choices; sometimes, He allows us to walk the path we stubbornly choose, despite His numerous warnings.

The Idols Behind Our Hard Hearts

What Stops Us From Listening to God?

Identifying idols in our lives is often not straightforward because they seldom appear as traditional "gods." Instead, they are typically good things elevated to ultimate importance, like relationships, success, money, and status. Just like the Egyptians worshipped the Nile, frogs, and the sun god Ra, we too have our modern-day equivalents.

Diagnostic Questions

Do You Have Modern-Day Idols?

Asking ourselves some reflective questions can uncover these hidden idols:
What is your greatest nightmare?
What brings you the most anxiety and fear?
What, if lost, makes life seem unbearable?
Where do you find comfort during hard times?

By answering these questions, we often reveal where our true worship lies.

The Dangerous Comfort of Compromise

Are We Settling for Less in Our Relationship with God?

Pharaoh repeatedly attempted to compromise—worship within Egypt, leave the children, or keep the livestock. Each offer was a half-hearted concession, a way to cling to power while appearing flexible. Moses’ steadfast response in Exodus 10:26 demonstrates a complete surrender. Moses understood something vital: worship isn't about calculated offerings or convenient sacrifices; it's about complete surrender.

Three Steps to Overcoming a Hard Heart

How Do We Soften Our Hardened Hearts?

1. Acknowledge Your Idols - How Do You Discover Idolatry in Your Life?

Admit that idols exist in your life—recognize the emotional rollercoaster they create. When our joy fluctuates based on circumstances rather than on Christ, we've likely uncovered an idol.

2. Identify Your Idols - What Are the Tell-Tale Signs of Idolatry?

Use the diagnostic questions as a guide. Brutal honesty is necessary in recognizing what we refuse to surrender to God's hands as these are usually our idols.

3. Dismantle Your Idols Through Repentance and Rejoicing - How Do You Conquer These Modern Idols?

Confession is the first step. Admit that placing something above God is a weakness. Then, shift focus to rejoicing in Christ, not because of, but despite your circumstances. Anchor your identity in Christ, ensuring He is your constant source of joy.

The Purpose of Freedom

Why Does God Want Us to Be Free?

Throughout Exodus, God commands, "Let my people go that they may serve me." Note that freedom wasn't just for freedom's sake—it was for service. God desires our liberation from idols so we can dedicate ourselves to Him wholly. In Brooklyn, NYC, where the bustle of life can often mask our spiritual needs, remembering this purpose gives clarity to our lives amidst chaos.

A God Who Keeps Coming Back

Why Doesn’t God Give Up on Us?

Perhaps what’s most encouraging about Pharaoh’s narrative is God’s persistence. Despite knowing Pharaoh’s eventual rejection, God returns repeatedly, offering opportunities for change. God's interactions with us are similar. He strikes at the idols that bind us, not as an act of cruelty but of love. So, if you’re feeling God’s relentless pressure on some aspect of your life, consider it as a merciful attempt to correct a course that might otherwise lead you astray.

Practical Application for Today

How This Applies to Us in Brooklyn, NYC

The choice is yours—will you respond like Pharaoh, clinging to idols, or will you surrender and invite God to reign fully in your life? This call to action reverberates especially in our community here in Brooklyn, where the fast-paced life may easily distract us from our true purpose. Let’s make the conscious choice to lay everything on the altar.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before you, recognizing the idols we have placed before You. Help us to identify and relinquish these false securities. Teach us to find joy in You alone, regardless of our circumstances. We invite Your Holy Spirit to guide our hearts in continual surrender. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why did God harden Pharaoh’s heart?

 God strengthened Pharaoh's resolve—it was a reinforcement of Pharaoh's own choices rather than a violation of free will.

What modern forms can idols take?

 Idols can be anything that takes a central role in our lives: career success, relationships, financial security, or even personal image.

How do we discover idols in our lives? 

Reflecting on our fears, worries, and the things we are unwilling to surrender to God can reveal hidden idols.

Is compromise ever a good solution?

 In spiritual matters, compromise often leads to partial obedience. True surrender requires us to hold nothing back from God, just as Moses demonstrated.