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.