Exodus 9.35 “Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not let the sons of Israel go, just as the LORD had spoken through Moses.”

Strong Willed! Parents, have you ever heard that term? You might have a child who is strong willed. They look at you with those arms crossed and stomp their feet when you ask them to do something. Or perhaps they are a teenager now and consistently argue every point with you, demanding to make their own decisions regardless of your advice.

I truly believe Pharaoh was a strong willed child. After all, he was raised to believe he was a god. Who wouldn’t be strong willed and arrogant and defiant if they had been told that since childhood. He believed he could do anything he wanted and everyone else must bow to his decisions.

And then he ran smack into Jehovah God. Moses introduced him to Him. “Let My people go!” He resisted, mocked Him, defied Him until…..he felt the full brunt of the wrath of God.

What a lesson for our own little Elrod or Lucy Jane who is strong willed and defiant. Now there is nothing wrong with being strong willed as long as you understand that you are NOT God. Strong wills drive people to achieve great things. Don’t discipline your child for that alone. However, allow them to learn that even the strongest of wills must bow to the Almighty Creator of the universe. When they learn that they will truly be STRONG!!!