Don’t Cave Under Criticism
Exodus 5:21-6:1, “And they said, ‘May the Lord look on you and judge you! You have made us obnoxious to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.’ Moses returned to the Lord and said, ‘Why, Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and You have not rescued your people at all.’ Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of My mighty hand he will let them go; because of My mighty hand he will drive them out of his country.’”
Do you ever wonder if God is really in control? Do you ever wonder if the world we live is spinning out of control with everyone doing their own thing and criticizing everyone that doesn’t agree or accept their lifestyle.
God has recorded for us in His written Word how we are to respond to His commands, especially when it comes to living in a world full of sin.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
Although we may not hear God audibly, there are times we know with absolute certainty what He’s asking us to do. If it’s a sin issue, it might be something clearly commanded in Scripture. Or, it might be something the Holy Spirit has convicted us of, and wise believers in our lives have affirmed.
Moses received clear directions and had a great opportunity to glorify God in the Israelites’ deliverance out of Egyptian slavery. But that deliverance was not immediate, and as their workload increased, they became critical of Moses. So, he turned with an attitude of frustration to God, questioning why He’d sent him there only to bring trouble.
God had a plan, and because Moses followed through with God’s commands, he was used in a mighty way. When God leads you to do something, don’t cave to criticism or opposition — follow through with your commitment and be used for His glory!
Prayer: God, I want my life to be used for Your glory. Whatever You ask of me, wherever You call me to go, l want to obey. I choose to follow You, not the voices of criticism that threaten to distract me from Your purposes. I’m all Yours. May I always be reminded to come to you in solemn reverence in renewing my covenant vow with You in remembering the sacrificial death of You Son, Jesus on the Cross at Calvary. May You bless the Bread and Cup as I partake. In Jesus’ name, Amen.