The next Old Testament figure Stephen presents for us to learn from in Acts chapter 7 is Moses.  He talks about the time when the new pharaoh began to deal treacherously with the Jewish people.  Look at verses 20-29.

Here's Moses, who should have been dead, but God had mightily preserved him, even by the hand of pharaoh’s daughter.  The Bible says that he enjoyed great favor in the house of pharaoh.  That he was filled with Egyptian wisdom.  The Bible even says that he spoke and acted with might.  He was a man of good reputation and was qualified in the eyes of men.

It was obvious that God's hand was upon him, and yet when he went to his own people – the people that God had him destined to lead – they did not receive him.  They did not understand him.  They did not want any of his leadership.  They rejected him.  And it was at that time that God pushed Moses out the door into a desert experience for 40 years.

He went to a place of great opposition.  It would seem as though the dream that God had put in his heart had died.  Now I want you and I to understand that when God calls us to do His work; when God puts his hand on us to change our world; when you begin to see the opposition come against you; when you see the rejection of even your brethren, people who turn away from you and not receive what God has put in your heart, you need to know what Stephen knew about Joseph, and what he knew about Moses.  That is when God puts His hand on you, it doesn’t matter what you face, God will bring it to pass if you remain steadfast and persevere.

See, a lot of times, we look at the gifts don't we?  We think, “Well if I could just flow in the gift of healing, well then I'd have a ministry.  Or if I could just have a strong, prophetic word, then I'd be known around the world.  Man, if I could get blind eyes open that would seal the deal.  Oh, and if I could raise the dead, I wouldn't even have to take out a newspaper ad.  The building would be full!”  We look at the giftedness, and those things are good.  God wants us to use our gifts and abilities.  God wants us to hunger after spiritual gifts and to flow mightily in them.

But, do you know that you could have all the giftedness that we discussed, and still fall on your face if you don't have your eyes on Jesus and know him?  It's one thing to be used of Him.  It's another thing to know Him.   If you are going to start in ministry and finish in ministry, you're going to have to know him.  Not just when people are applauding you, but you're going to have to know Him when people turn their back on you.  You're going to have to know Him when things don't go your way.  You're going to have to know Him and the power of His resurrection when it seems like all hell has come against you.

I encourage you to purpose to spend intimate time with the Lord – to draw near to the God who loves you with an everlasting love – who is gracious and compassionate and Who gave Himself for you.  This is the entirety of the Christian walk – to know Him deeply and intimately.  Everything else – the dreams and the gifts – flow from that.  As you do, He will lead you, guide you, and mold you into the world changer He intends for you to be.