James, . . . 

"Why did God harden pharoah's heart...?"  Just before I became a
Christian, my heart was softened by God, but I had also chosen to
submit myself to God in order to soften my heart.  In a way, God
chose me to become one of His people, and I chose to follow Him.
God doesn't drag us kicking and screaming into being Christians.  He
does, however, soften our hearts when we seek.  The Hebrews worshipped
God.  The Egyptians did not.  Pharoah did not.  Moses chose God.
Pharoah did not.  Why then all of the Egyptians?  They did not worship
God.  They worshipped, but not the living God.  You also must realize
that innocent people suffer, too.  I, personally do not know which if
any of the Egyptians were innocent, but we must take the responsibility
for what we do.  Now, about miracles:  Aaron's staff became a serpent
by the power of God. Pharoah called Egyptian sorcerers to do the same,
"but Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs.  Yet Pharoah's heart
became hard and he would not listen to them, just as the Lord had said."
(Exodus 7:12-13).  Even though it wasn't Moses who performed the staff
miracle, it was the next man in line--Aaron.  Secondly, God wants people
to be impressed with Him, not the miracles of men.  The miracles of men
can deceive.  It could be via evil that men do "great" things.  God wants
Christians to do good deeds so that people will see these good deeds and
praise Him, not the people who "do" them.  Read Matthew 5:16. "Why all the
needless destruction?"  Don't blame God for the faults of men.  Don't
blame God for Egypts choice.  Don't let this confuse you.  Don't try to
know God's entire plan.  Simply seek His will and open your heart so that
He may reveal things to you.  Pharoah had chance after chance.  It was
strict back then in the Old Testament.  All were under the law--condemned
by the law.  It is still difficult, perhaps even more so, but we are
justified by faith through Jesus Christ.  Innocent people still suffer.
Christians suffer.  It is during the times of suffering that Christians
are called to persevere.  It is through perseverance that faith grows.
Your questions call one to consider a lot of things at once.  It is
difficult, but with God's help, we can consider the big picture, consider
the cost.  James, I hope that this helps you.  Ask questions if any of
this need clarification.  Praise be to God!  I thank Him for the
encouragement and prayers of my Christian brothers and sisters.  Thank you
again for your prayers.  This day has been a result of the prayers my
brothers and sisters have offered up.  Don't be discouraged by confusion.
Let your yes be yes and your no be no.  Be sure to pray about it.  Prayer
is powerful. I hope to talk to you/hear from you soon.  

				Your brother in Christ,
                                        Beacon Deacon