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Lesson from a Bar of Soap

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Photo by Mikhail Nilov

The other day I came across something rather ordinary – a bar of soap. It looked perfectly normal, and judging by the reactions of others around me, it smelled wonderful. People spoke about how pleasant and refreshing the fragrance was. Some even said they loved it.

But the moment I smelled it, I felt sick.

Almost instantly I experienced nausea and a headache. What others found delightful, my body rejected. I had to move it away quickly because the scent was simply too much for me.

That small moment got me thinking.
Isn’t life often like that?
There are things in this world that some people celebrate and enjoy, while others cannot tolerate them at all. One person’s pleasure can be another person’s discomfort. It reminded me of the old saying: “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.”

This simple bar of soap became a quiet lesson.

In our spiritual lives, the same principle often appears. Some people find great joy in the things of God. They find peace in prayer, strength in Scripture, and comfort in gathering with other believers. The presence of God is refreshing to them, like clean air after a storm.

The reality: Not everyone responds the same way.

There are people who feel uneasy around spiritual conversations. The mention of faith, repentance, or holiness may make them uncomfortable. Some may even react negatively to it. What is life-giving to one heart may feel strange, irritating, or even offensive to another.
The Bible speaks about this reality in 1 Corinthians 2:14, where we are told that the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God because they seem foolish to them. In other words, spiritual things are not always understood or appreciated by everyone.

Just like the fragrance of that soap.
Some people loved it. I could barely stand it.

This lesson also reminds us of something important for our daily walk with God: we should not expect universal approval for the values we live by. If we choose to pursue truth, integrity, humility, and faith, there will be times when others simply do not understand our choices.

They may question why we pray.
They may not see the value in living with conviction.
They may wonder why we refuse certain paths that seem normal to everyone else.
Amidst all this remember our responsibility is not to please everyone.
Our responsibility is to remain faithful.

Just as our senses respond differently to certain scents, hearts respond differently to spiritual truth. Some are drawn to it while others resist it. That is part of the reality of living in a world where people are on different journeys.

So the next time you encounter something small and ordinary, like a bar of soap, remember that even the simplest things can remind us of deeper truths.
Not everyone will like what you like.
Not everyone will understand what you value.
And not everyone will embrace the path you walk with God.

That should never be allowed to discourage you.
Stay faithful, stay grounded in truth, and keep walking in the purpose God has placed before you.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

A God Who Never Sleeps

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Photo by Pixabay

Recently, a sister in Christ said to me, “Mervin, you don’t sleep!” I was initially confused but after she explained I realised she was referring to the times she gets the notification that the post for the day has been published and shared in the WhatsApp group. I smiled….but her words reminded me of something far deeper – the reality that God we serve truly never sleeps.

There is a profound comfort in knowing that while we rest, God does not. While we toss and turn with worry, He is watching. While we stumble through trials, He is guiding our steps. Psalm 121:4 reminds us: “Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” These words remind us that the One who watches over us is constant, unwavering, and always alert.

Unlike us, God never grows weary. He does not need rest. His eyes are always on His children, His ears attuned to our prayers, and His heart tuned to our deepest needs. He is never distracted, never absent, never overwhelmed. Even in the stillness of the night, when darkness surrounds us and fears feel magnified, God is awake, holding, guarding, and protecting.

Consider Psalm 139:4-5: “Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.”

God’s sleepless watchfulness is active and intimate. He knows our every thought, our every struggle, and our every hope. Nothing escapes Him. When life feels uncertain, when challenges seem too heavy, and when fear creeps in, remember this: you serve a God who never takes a break from loving you. 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us: “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” The God who never sleeps is always caring, always attentive, and always ready to lift your burdens.
This truth brings both comfort and courage. In moments of weakness, when we feel small and powerless, His sleepless vigilance reminds us we are never alone. Even when the world seems chaotic or indifferent, there is One who is awake, present, and active on our behalf.

So today, rest –  not because you are strong enough to handle everything, but because the One who never sleeps is holding it all for you. Lay down your worries, your fears, and your burdens, and let His eternal vigilance bring peace to your heart.

No night is too dark, no storm too fierce, no situation too complex for the God who never sleeps. He is your eternal guardian, your unfailing protector, and your steadfast friend. And in His sleepless love, you can find true peace.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

Why We Still Call on God, Even When He Already Knows Our Needs

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Photo by Luis Quintero

Someone recently asked me, “If God already knows what we need before we ask (Matthew 6:8), why should we call on Him at all?” It’s a fair question, and one that goes straight to the heart of our faith. On the surface, it might seem unnecessary to pray if God already knows our needs. But prayer is never about informing God; it’s about building a relationship with Him and aligning our hearts with His will.

Think of a loving parent who knows what their child needs before the child asks. The parent still wants the child to come, speak, and share their heart. In the same way, God invites us to come to Him. When we pray, we aren’t giving God new information; we are opening ourselves to communion with Him.

Jeremiah 33:3 reminds us: “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things…” Prayer draws us into intimacy with God, allowing us to experience His presence in a personal and tangible way.

Prayer also expresses our dependence on God. It’s a humble acknowledgment that we cannot navigate life alone. Philippians 4:6 encourages us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Calling on God is an act of trust. Even though He already knows our needs, He wants us to recognize our reliance on Him.

God has chosen prayer as a way He works in our lives. James 4:2 tells us: “You do not have because you do not ask God.” Prayer is not just a spiritual exercise; it is part of God’s design for how He moves. When we pray, we position ourselves to receive His guidance, provision, and intervention.

Perhaps most importantly, prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will. Sometimes we pray expecting God to change our circumstances but more often, God uses prayer to change us. As we pour out our hearts, we begin to see our situation through His eyes. First John 5:14 reminds us: “If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” Through prayer, we learn to discern His plan and find peace in trusting it.

Even Jesus, who knew the Father perfectly, prayed regularly. Luke 5:16 notes that He often withdrew to pray, and in Matthew 26:39, He prayed in Gethsemane. If the Son of God needed prayer, how much more do we?

In the end, prayer is less about the “need” God already knows and more about the relationship, dependence, and alignment that comes when we call on Him. God knows our needs, yet He still invites us to come, ask, seek, and knock. It is in that act of calling that our faith grows, our hearts are strengthened, and we experience His presence in ways we could not apart from prayer.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

Feeling Pain = Proof of Life

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Photo by Sora Shimazaki

I have been quiet for the past couple of days. Not by choice, but because I was dealing with a level of pain that made even speaking difficult. At times, even the simple act of swallowing or forming a sentence felt like a challenge. It forced me to slow down in ways I had not planned.

But during those uncomfortable moments, a simple thought kept coming to my mind: feeling pain is also proof of life.

None of us enjoy pain. We try to avoid it, pray for relief from it, and often wonder why we must experience it at all. Pain can come in many forms – physical pain in our bodies, emotional pain in our hearts, or spiritual struggles that weigh heavily on our minds. Yet pain has a way of reminding us of something we often forget in the busyness of life: we are still here.

Your heart is still beating. Every breath is still moving through our lungs. Every moment is still another opportunity given to us by God.

Scripture reminds us of this truth in Lamentations 3:22–23:
“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

Pain slows us down, but sometimes slowing down is exactly what we need.

In the middle of discomfort, we begin to notice things we usually overlook. We become more grateful for the small things: the ability to speak comfortably, the ability to swallow without thinking about it, the ability to move, work, laugh, and simply go about our day. Things we normally take for granted suddenly become blessings we deeply appreciate.

Pain can also remind us that our bodies are still fighting. When something hurts, it often means the body is responding, resisting, and trying to heal. In a strange way, pain can be evidence that something within us is still working to keep us alive.

But beyond the physical aspect, pain can also become a spiritual teacher.

The Bible never hides the reality of suffering. In fact, it speaks openly about it. Psalm 34:19 says,
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.”

This does not mean believers will avoid pain, but it reminds us that God walks with us through it.

In moments of weakness, we are reminded that we are not as strong as we sometimes believe. Our independence fades, and we are brought back to a place of dependence – dependence on God’s strength, His mercy, and His sustaining grace.

The Apostle Paul understood this well when he wrote:

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

And James also encourages believers with these words:

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life.” (James 1:12)

So if you are experiencing pain today, whether it is physical discomfort, emotional heartbreak, or a spiritual struggle, do not lose heart.

Your pain does not mean the story is over.

Sometimes pain is simply a reminder that you are still alive, still breathing, still standing, and still being carried by the grace of God.

And as long as there is life, there is still hope.
There is still purpose.
And there are still chapters of your story that God has yet to write.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew |Steps of Purpose

When I Consider Thy Heavens: What Is Man?

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Have you ever sat and listened to a preacher deliver a message, and after the meeting is over and you go about the rest of your evening, one particular thought follows you? It lingers in your mind, quietly working in your heart. Hours later, you still find yourself reflecting on it.

That happened to me last night after listening to a message from Brother Paul McIlvenna.

One of the points that remained with me which I felt inclined to share with you today was the question raised in Psalm 8:

“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” (Psalm 8:3-4)

It is a simple question, yet it carries profound weight. There are moments in life when we pause and look upward. The busyness of the day fades, the noise of the world quiets, and our attention turns to the heavens above. The sky stretches endlessly, the moon shines in quiet brilliance, and the stars appear like countless lights scattered across the darkness.

The Psalmist experienced that same wonder when he wrote Psalm 8. As he considered the vastness of creation, he reflected on the majesty of God. Scripture reminds us that creation itself points us to the greatness of God:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1)

When we consider the immensity of the universe, humanity can seem incredibly small. The heavens stretch far beyond what our minds can comprehend. The stars are countless, and the galaxies extend into distances we cannot fully grasp.

Yet, the wonder of Psalm 8 is not the smallness of man; it is the greatness of God’s care for him. God is mindful of man. The Creator of the heavens sees every individual life. He knows our struggles, our fears, our joys, and our hopes. The Lord Jesus Himself reminded His followers of this truth when He said:

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” – Luke 12:6-7 (KJV)

The God who set the stars in their places also knows every detail of our lives.
Even more remarkable is that God did not remain distant from humanity. In the fullness of time, He visited us. Through the Lord Jesus Christ we see the depth of God’s love and mercy toward fallen mankind.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…” John 3:16 (KJV)

The apostle Paul also reminds us:
“For in him we live, and move, and have our being.” Acts 17:28 (KJV)

So when we consider the heavens and the greatness of creation, the proper response is not despair at our smallness, but wonder at God’s grace.

The Lord of heaven knows us.
He remembers us.
He cares for us.
And because of that truth, the psalmist’s words become our own declaration of praise:

“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!” (Psalm 8:9)

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

Plucked From the Gutter

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Last night I listened to a message from Brother Paul Barnhardt from the USA, and one of the points he made stayed with me long after the message ended. It was a reminder that the Lord Jesus bore our sins on the cross of Calvary and as a result we were plucked from the gutters of sin.

Plucked from the Gutter of Sin

Have you ever really stopped to think about where God found you?

I am not speaking about just the polite version of your story that we sometimes tell in church or the cleaned-up testimony that sounds comfortable and respectable. I mean the real place where sin had taken hold of your life.

Have you taken time to reflect on the spiritual gutter the Lord Jesus lifted you out of?

The gutter is not a pleasant image, but it is an honest one. A gutter is a place where filth gathers, where things that are discarded end up, where water carries away what is dirty and unwanted. Spiritually speaking, that is where sin leaves humanity.

Scripture does not describe our condition as slightly misguided or temporarily off course. The Bible paints a far more serious picture.

Through the prophet Isaiah we are told:

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.” – Isaiah 53:6 (KJV)

Think about that for a moment.

Every selfish decision.
Every hidden sin.
Every proud thought.
Every act of rebellion against God.

All of it placed upon Christ.

Before we came to Him, we were not standing upright waiting for a little assistance. We were down in the gutter of sin unable to cleanse ourselves, unable to lift ourselves out.

Yet the remarkable story of the gospel is that God did not leave us there.

The psalmist describes this rescue beautifully:

“He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock.” – Psalm 40:2 (KJV)

That is exactly what salvation is. God reaching down into the mess of human sin and lifting broken people out.

We should never forget what it cost.

Jesus did not simply speak forgiveness from a distance. He entered our suffering. He stood in our place. He bore the punishment that our sins deserved.

Isaiah 53 reminds us:

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”

Those words are not poetic exaggeration. They describe a real sacrifice.

I am going to attempt to break it down a bit.

This verse is a prophecy about the suffering of the Messiah, which was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

“Wounded for our transgressions” –  He suffered because of our sins, not His own.

“Bruised for our iniquities” – He was crushed under the weight of humanity’s wrongdoing.

“The chastisement of our peace was upon him” – The punishment required for us to have peace with God fell on Him.

“With his stripes we are healed” – Through the suffering and scourging He endured, spiritual healing and restoration are made possible.

So yes, He was beaten, He was mocked and He was pierced by the hands of the very people whom He came to save.
He carried the full weight of humanity’s sin.

Now, here is a truth worth pausing to consider: At any moment, He could have stopped it.

The One who calmed storms and raised the dead had the power to end the suffering instantly. Yet, He chose to endure it and its not because He was powerless, but because of the extent of His love, He refused to leave us in the gutter of sin.

Sometimes as believers we grow familiar with the story of the cross. We hear it so often that the weight of it can fade into the background of our faith.

But today is a good day to pause…to remember where sin had taken us, and reflect on the Savior who reached down and lifted us out.

It should fuel in us yet another moment of gratitude to God for not leaving us in the gutter. We should be eternally grateful that we were raised up by the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

Lessons from the life of Judas Iscariot.

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There’s something deeply sobering about the life of Judas Iscariot – not just because of how his story ends, but because of how it unfolds.

Judas walked with Jesus. He wasn’t distant. He wasn’t an outsider. He was there in the teachings, in the miracles, and in the quiet moments others would have longed to witness. He heard the words that changed lives and  saw power up close. Yet, somewhere along the way, his heart remained untouched.

That alone should cause us to pause because it reveals a truth we don’t always like to confront: proximity to the Lord Jesus is not the same as surrendering to Him.

It’s possible to be around the things of God and still not be fully yielded to Him.
What makes this even more striking is that the fact that the Lord Jesus knew ahead of time that Judas would have betrayed him…At one point He said to the disciples, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:70, KJV).

Yet, even knowing what Judas would eventually do, the Lord Jesus still allowed him to walk among the twelve, to hear the teaching, to witness the miracles, and to remain in that circle of grace.

Let me stop here for a moment and tell you something that one of the subscribers to this blog reminded me about this morning. It is a point in this story which speaks of the unmatched character of our Lord Jesus. I always shake my head when I reflect on this part of Judas’s story. The Lord Jesus knew the role Judas would play in the lead up to his crucifixion and do you know what He did? HE WASHED JUDAS FEET!

“Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.” – John 13:10–11 (KJV)

But wait! That’s not all. The Lord Jesus even fed him before he left to betray Him!

“Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon Iscariot.
“And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus Christ unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.”  – John 13:26 – 27 (KJV)

I realised how significant this moment was when I found out what that “sop” was that the Lord Jesus gave to Judas.

I found out that sop was a piece of bread dipped in sauce or gravy which was very common in Jewish meals. What struck me was the fact that in that culture, giving someone a dipped piece of bread was often a gesture of honor or friendship. We serve an amazing God, a God who loves unconditionally. Wow!

Something I realised only today also was this – Judas didn’t fall in a single moment. His betrayal wasn’t sudden; it was the result of something that had been growing quietly beneath the surface.

Scripture gives us a glimpse into that hidden life, hinting that he had already been stealing from the money bag. In fact, John records plainly that Judas “was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein” (John 12:6, KJV).

What was concealed eventually took control, and that’s the danger. What we allow to live unchecked in private will not remain harmless. It shapes us. It directs us. Eventually, it defines our decisions.

Judas followed Jesus, but his heart was divided. He moved with the group, but he was driven by something else. Even standing in the presence of truth, he was being pulled by lesser desires.

It’s a tension that still exists today. We can serve, speak, show up, and still be inwardly led by things that have nothing to do with Christ like recognition, control, gain, or hidden compromise. From the outside, everything can look aligned. But inwardly, something is drifting.

What makes Judas’s story even more striking is that he wasn’t cut off without warning. Even in his final moments with Jesus, grace was extended. There were opportunities to turn, to respond, to step back from the path he was on.

But here’s the reality: A heart that resists conviction long enough becomes less responsive to it. The problem is not that God stops reaching, but that we stop responding.

When Judas finally faced the reality of the consequences of his actions, that is betraying the Lord Jesus, he felt remorse. There was regret but instead of turning back, he turned inward. Instead of repentance, he chose despair. That distinction matters because while remorse acknowledges wrong,  repentance seeks restoration.

The tragedy of Judas is not just that he betrayed Jesus, but that he never returned to Him. His life becomes a quiet warning to all of us, not to live on the surface of faith, not to mistake activity for intimacy, not to assume that being close means being transformed.

It invites us to look inward, to ask honest questions, and to examine not just where we stand outwardly, but what we are allowing inwardly.

The truth is, a person can walk alongside the Lord Jesus and still fail to truly know Him unless the heart is fully surrendered.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

What a Mighty God We Serve!

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Have you ever paused and considered the greatness of our God? I mean seriously….. like the way He worketh in ways we cannot see, opens doors we never imagined, and answers prayers even before we speak them? It’s mind blowing!

Truly, what a mighty God we serve!

Our God is not small. He is not limited by circumstances, time, or human understanding. He reigns over the heavens and the earth, yet He cares for the smallest details of our lives. He stilled storms, provided manna in the wilderness, and carries the burdens of those who trust in Him.

Nothing is too hard, too great, or too difficult for Him. Wow!!!

What a Mighty God we serve!!!!!!!

The Scriptures declare His power and faithfulness:

“The Lord is great in Zion; and he is high above all people.” – Psalm 99:2

“For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.” – Deuteronomy 10:17

“Ah Lord God! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.” – Jeremiah 32:17

“Our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” – Psalm 115:3

His power is manifested every single day, sometimes in ways we can see, sometimes in ways we cant but He is shaping hearts, opening doors, and giving strength to continue.

The Mighty God we serve turns mourning into dancing, weakness into strength, and despair into hope. He provides for us in ways we cannot foresee, and works all things together for good to them that love Him.

Praises be to our Most High God!!!!

Today I encourage you to lift your heart in thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father. Praise Him for His mighty acts, for victories both seen and unseen, for protection, guidance, and provision. Praise Him not only for what He does, but for who He is – faithful, strong, merciful, and eternal.

And you know what? He calls you and I His children! Yes I know… its a reality which should cause joy and thanksgiving to ooze out of your very being.

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34

“Sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth.” – Psalm 96:1

“Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” – Psalm 147:5

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped.” – Psalm 28:7

What a Mighty God We Serve!!!

No trial is too great, no fear too overwhelming, and no challenge too difficult for the God we serve. When we trust in Him, we align ourselves with the One who commands the winds, rules over nations, and redeems hearts.

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” – Psalm 46:7

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” – Luke 1:37

Oh, what a mighty God we serve! His power and love were revealed on the cross, where the Lord Jesus bore our sins and conquered death. His name is worthy of all praise, for through the cross we have victory, redemption, and eternal hope. Hallelujah to the God who is mighty to save!

Let our hearts proclaim together: What a mighty God we serve!

His power is unmatched, His love unending, and His faithfulness eternal. Rejoice, and let your life bear witness to His greatness.

“Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” – Psalm 145:3

Go out and have a wonderful day in the Lord today!!

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

Why Do People Write Poetry?

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Thoughts on a Saturday afternoon

Have you ever thought about why people write poetry?
Why people love poetry?
Why people embrace poetry
like it were a friend they have always known?

Perhaps it is because poetry gives voice
to the thoughts that quietly live in the heart.
It gathers our questions, our hopes, and our struggles
and places them gently into words.

Sometimes a poem is born from joy –       a heart overflowing with gratitude.
Other times it rises from pain,
when the soul is searching for comfort.

Yet poetry has a beautiful way
of reminding us that our stories matter,
yes, our voices matter.
A reminder that the emotions God placed within us were never meant to stay hidden.

Even in Scripture we see poetry everywhere –
Songs, prayers, and reflections
flowing from hearts that longed for God.

As it is written,
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” – Psalm 150:6

And again,
“Sing to the Lord a new song.” –  Psalm 96:1

Perhaps that is what poetry truly is –
A new song rising from the soul.

A poem can be praise.
A poem can be prayer.
A poem can be a quiet reminder
that God is near even in the ordinary moments of life.

So if words ever begin to stir within your heart,
Do not silence them.
Write them down.

You may discover that what begins as a simple poem
becomes a small light of encouragement
Not only for yourself, but for someone else who needed those very words.

And maybe that is one of the greatest gifts of poetry:
God can use even our simplest lines
to bring hope, comfort, and truth to another soul.

For as Scripture reminds us,
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth,
but that which is good for the use of edifying,
that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” –  Ephesians 4:29

Perhaps sometimes…
Grace is carried
In the quiet lines of a poem.

Just some scattered thoughts on a Saturday afternoon.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose

A Heart That Follows Through: Lessons From Pharoah for Today

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Have you ever promised something with all your heart….only to fall short? Maybe you meant what you said, maybe you even felt it deeply, but when the moment passed, for whatever reason, the follow-through didn’t. That struggle isn’t new. It has been happening since ancient times, and Scripture shows us both the danger and the lesson.

Let’s take a look at Pharaoh in the book of Exodus. At first, he called for Moses, admitted wrongdoing, even made promises. He sounded sincere, he sounded willing, he even seemed ready to change, but when the pressure eased, his heart hardened again and again. Pharaoh didn’t fail because he lacked words or knowledge; he failed because his words didn’t match his actions.

That is where the lesson becomes personal: we can learn alot from his story. Let me explain.

How often do we respond to God,or even to people,with temporary enthusiasm, only to drift back once the immediate need passes? How often do our promises, our prayers, and our commitments fade when the moment of urgency has gone?

Under pressure, Pharaoh spoke differently; under pressure, many of us cry out more, pray more, feel more, promise more. But when relief comes, when life returns to “normal,” what remains? How often do we return to the old patterns, quietly letting the lessons slip away?

True faith seeks God, not just relief. True devotion is not about changing circumstances; it is about changing hearts.

Sometimes, even the smallest delay in obedience can become a dangerous pattern. Pharaoh postponed obedience; he said, “Tomorrow.” It seemed reasonable, even harmless, but delay in following God’s instructions is still disobedience. Over time, delay weakens conviction, strengthens resistance, and trains the heart to ignore God. We may start with hesitation, but repeated postponement hardens us, until what once stirred our hearts deeply begins to fade and lose urgency. Spiritual procrastination is subtle but perilous. It quietly reshapes our character without warning.

Even when Pharaoh acknowledged his wrongdoing, admitting that God was right, he hardened his heart again. Conviction without action is dangerous because awareness alone does not transform. Words without change only cement patterns of resistance, until eventually the heart grows numb to the call of God.

The greatest danger is not struggling with sin; it is reaching a place where the struggle no longer disturbs us.

And yet, even with this warning, God’s mercy shines. His faithfulness never falters. Hebrews reminds us that He is faithful to every promise. Hebrews 10:23 says “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.”

God desires sincerity, a returning heart, a life that follows through – not perfection or  empty words. Psalm 51:17 captures this beautifully: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (KJV)

So the question is not only about Pharaoh. It is about us. Are we moved in moments only, or in life? Do our words match our walk? Do we pursue God when things are calm, or only when pressure forces our attention?

Let us not leave this reflection touched but unchanged, sincere but temporary or moved but unmoved in practice. Let us instead allow our hearts to remain receptive, our obedience immediate, and our lives to follow through with the promises we make, not to others only, but most importantly, to our Father who art in Heaven.

Mervin Fitzgerald Matthew | Steps of Purpose