How should we respond when others doubt our God-given mission, as in Exodus 4:8? Setting the Scene: Moses’ Doubters and God’s Assurance Exodus 4:8: “And the LORD said, ‘If they do not believe you or heed the voice of the first sign, they may believe the voice of the latter sign.’” God prepared Moses for skepticism by supplying clear, supernatural confirmation. The responsibility for belief rested on the audience; the responsibility for obedience rested on Moses. Key Truths Drawn from Exodus 4:8 • God anticipates opposition and equips His servants in advance. • The burden of proof is ultimately on the Lord, not on us; He provides “the signs.” • A doubting crowd never negates a divine call. How to Respond When Others Doubt Our Mission 1. Stay anchored in God’s call • 1 Thessalonians 5:24—“The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” • Rehearse the moment of calling and the Scriptures that confirmed it. 2. Obey before explaining • Acts 4:19—Peter and John chose obedience over public approval. • Our first duty is to keep doing what God said, whether or not the crowd is convinced. 3. Point to God’s works, not personal greatness • John 10:25—“The works I do in My Father’s name testify about Me.” • Let transformed lives, answered prayer, and evident fruit bear witness. 4. Maintain a humble, gentle tone • 1 Peter 3:15—Give a defense “with gentleness and respect.” • Doubt is often disarmed by character more than by argument. 5. Persist with patience and endurance • 2 Timothy 4:5—“Fulfill your ministry.” • Opposition today may become partnership tomorrow; keep the long view. 6. Refuse to chase human approval • Galatians 1:10—Seeking to please men disqualifies us as servants of Christ. • A clear conscience before God outweighs applause or critique. 7. Rely on the sufficiency of Scripture and the Spirit • Isaiah 55:11—God’s word “will not return to Me empty.” • Trust the Spirit to confirm truth in hearts we cannot reach. Scripture Snapshots That Reinforce Our Response • Nehemiah 6:3—“I am doing a great work and cannot come down.” • Psalm 118:6—“The LORD is on my side; I will not fear.” • 1 Corinthians 4:1-2—Stewards are required to be found faithful, not impressive. • Hebrews 10:23—“He who promised is faithful.” Encouragement for Steadfast Faithfulness The same God who furnished Moses with unmistakable signs still backs His servants today. When skepticism surfaces, keep obeying, keep pointing to His works, and keep trusting that He will vindicate His mission in His time. |
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