Insecureنموونە

Stephen's Account of Moses


In Stephen's address, he reminds the Pharisees of Israel's history and their stubbornness to obey the Lord. He retells the story of Moses and their Exodus from Egypt as an example of this. Moses led his people out of slavery, but he never set foot in the promised land. Time after time, the people rebelled against both Moses and God. Vs. 39 tells us, "But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt."

I can't imagine Moses's frustration each day trying to lead a people who didn't want direction. In Numbers 20, we see that Moses let his frustration get the better of him when he struck the rock while trying to provide water for God's people. Moses failed to remember that the outcome belonged to God. On multiple occasions, he took the people's response personally and let rejection get under his skin.

The negative responses and rejection of others can profoundly affect our feelings of security. If we don't remind ourselves that we are merely partners in God's work, we can mistakenly find our value in what we do for God and not in God himself. Moses succumbed to his frustration because he carried a burden of responsibility God had not placed on him.

Daily Challenge: Are there circumstances in your life that are causing you to feel frustrated or angry? Is there any burden you have taken on that God has not asked you to take? Commit to prayer areas of frustration in your life. Accept the circumstances you cannot change and ask God to take control.