“For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.” Romans 9:17-18
The Scriptures teach us (cf. Exodus 9:16) that God raised an unbelieving and stubborn Pharaoh to power for the very reason that He might show His power over Pharaoh and his mighty armies through grievous plagues and their utter destruction in the Red Sea. God did this so that His name would be declared in all the earth and people would hear of His almighty power and turn back to Him. Therefore, in accord with His perfect will, God shows mercy on those He chooses to show mercy, and He hardens in their unbelief those whom He chooses to harden.
O all-wise and all-powerful God, I thank You for not dealing with me as I deserve, but for showing me mercy and calling me to repentance and faith in Christ Jesus and His cross for pardon and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]