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When I was a kid, I had a bit of a vigilante streak. I remember looking out for justice on the playground and even getting into my first fight over a classmate being called “pizza face!” I wanted to do what was right and fight for the underdog but it didn’t exactly make me popular. Eventually I stopped after getting a couple kids expelled… yes I know, I might have taken it a little too far. Looking back I remember having good intentions, honestly they were pure, but somehow along the way, the gossip and reputation I built put me back in a corner.

When Moses hears the actual voice of God telling him to “Go,” he undoubtedly has no idea what challenges are coming his way. When he asks Pharaoh for permission to go worship with the Israelites, Pharaoh’s anger is kindled.

Exodus 5:8-9 …They are lazy; that is why they are crying out, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ Make the work harder for the people so that they keep working and pay no attention to lies.

Moses is fighting God’s fight but he’s lost any ounce of popularity with his people. He reacts like many of us would; he doubts, he complains and he questions God’s instructions. But he does one thing right. Instead of giving up, he talks to God. The outcome is one of the greatest stories of freedom ever recorded.

God’s voice in our lives doesn’t guarantee comfort and popularity. In fact, the bible tells us to expect the opposite! Opposition isn’t a litmus test for obedience and faithfulness. Our only litmus test is the fruit of the Spirit. Those fruits include “patience” and “faithfulness.” Praise God Moses stayed faithful and followed through.