Dealing with criticism. Exodus 5:15-23 Opposition to God's purposes is to be expected in our world, which opposes God’s “will being done on earth as it is in heaven.” People who do not know God and are not interested in a spiritual relationship with Him generally oppose Him and His expectations for mankind. This disconnect often results in self-centered greed, as each person pushes their own agenda without regard for others.
The slave drivers were caught in the middle. They first complained to Pharaoh and then turned against Moses and Aaron. The work of God is, at times, discouraging. We had hopes of pressing right ahead and seeing favorable results immediately, but that does not happen often. Sometimes in our service to God, things seem impossible, and we look for someone or something to blame. When that happens, we need to turn to God and seek to learn from Him what He is doing and why in this situation.
Those who oppress others do so at the expense of the well-being of those they take advantage of. Whether the oppressed are destroyed or impoverished is not considered. Oppressed individuals become conditioned to their situation, making it hard for them to believe there is something better for them. Instead of turning to God and trusting in Him, they look to the government or to those who have what they want and try to get it by any means.
It is wrong to complain that our leadership isn't solving the problems we see or feel when we have the power to do something about it. We should remember how God would handle the situation and act accordingly. God's work is guided, and that guidance comes from Him. It’s appropriate to come to God with sincere prayer. When Moses was alone with God in the bitterness of his soul, he wisely kept that hidden from others who had never experienced meaningful dealings with God.
Believers in Christ may feel discouraged in their service to God when things don’t go as planned or hoped. Anyone who serves the Lord must be ready to face and accept discouragement from time to time. People haven’t changed for the better. Even though people have more material possessions than ever before, times remain the same. In fact, “Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” Persecution and opposition to God, the Gospel, and His people began right at the start of the church age and will continue until the Lord returns.
Many people won't understand why a servant does what they do. It’s pointless to try to explain what motivates us in the Lord’s work if people already have their minds made up about how things should be done. God has His own plan, and when He fits us into it, others won't see things and needs the same way we do. Most people live life by measurements: so many hours of sleep, so many for eating, so many for working, and so many for leisure. Many gauge the value of life by the money they earn.
Despite difficulties, it is vital that we keep our minds and hearts focused on our Lord, who is sovereign over all. If we dwell on troubles, disappointments, and heartaches, we will lose sight of who we are and who our Lord Jesus Christ is. When criticisms come, which they will, we must choose to turn to God. “Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim; in the light of His glory and grace!”
There are lessons for us to learn from these verses when Moses and Aaron returned from their first appearance before Pharaoh on behalf of the Israelites. It seems like Moses expected Pharaoh to give in to their request when they mentioned the Lord by name as “YAHWEH.” Moses had not yet learned that even though God may delay carrying out His plans according to our time frame, His delays are not denials. Delays often put things and events in a clearer perspective for our learning. God’s purposes are often far greater than the immediate issue.
Just because there is still suffering, setbacks, and difficulties in life does not mean that God isn’t working His will. We learn patience during times of tribulation and how to find our joy in the Lord when times and events are very hard. Faith is strengthened when we trust God to do what is best in His eyes, not ours. In times of stress and hardship, we learn ways to honor God as we walk with Him through the valley of the shadow of death. It is important that our confidence in God is placed in a sure Person. He does not fail or forsake His people. When we have problems, we must begin to think of solutions from God’s perspective and plan how to handle the problem in His way.
In serving the Lord, when rescuing people from Satan's bondage and the world's influence, we must focus on our work without considering the cost or the profit margin we seek. One soul saved from hell is more valuable than the entire material world. Once we have done what God has commanded, we can leave the results in the hands of "the only wise God."
The world system is controlled by people and powers who oppose God’s will and plans for Earth and His people. As a result, when we share the Gospel or speak about our beliefs, most people will not receive our message or us with enthusiasm. We must accept that people and circumstances can discourage us. However, when we focus on the goal ahead and on the One who strengthens us in our life and service, we can move forward with faith, hope, and love. God can work through us to accomplish what we cannot do on our own. In the end, we will see that the challenges along the way were worth it, and that He has been with us throughout. “The glory shines before us!’
EXODUS 6. FEAR OF FAILURE.