As a Christian, it is not easy to serve our Lord. It has been said that “a cross-centered message requires cross-bearing messengers.”
While we are mostly faced with persecution from non-believers, we occasionally face persecution from inside the community of faith when troubles arise. We see this happen with Moses in Exodus 17, where he feared stoning by the Israelites.
The Israelites, as God’s chosen people, were led from Egypt towards the promised land under Moses’ leadership, and with God’s direction. “The whole Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded.” (Ex. 17:1). But the moment they faced any trials and hardships, they started doubting Moses’ leadership. This was not the first time, nor would it be the last time, that Moses’ leadership was questioned by the Israelites.
God had been with the Israelites throughout their journey, and they had already witnessed the power of God. God had delivered them from Egypt, demonstrated His power at the Red Sea, and provided them with manna and quail from heaven when they were hungry. Despite all these demonstrations of God’s ability to meet every need, they still doubted Him. When there was no water to quench their thirst, instead of trusting God, the Israelites asked Moses why God had led them to the desert. They complained and quarrelled with Moses and demanded, “Is the Lord among us or not?” Moses feared for his life (Ex. 17:4)
Often, leaders in the community of faith must facing situations where God’s own people lose faith and question their leadership and ministry. Exodus 17’s account of the wilderness in Rephidim is an example of how following God is not easy. It also illustrates how, even today, our own community of faith often struggles to trust in the Lord.
As a leader, you will be blamed, you will be questioned, you will be tested – and all by your own community. When (not if) this happens, take every problem to the Lord and seek His wisdom. It is worth mentioning that Moses never wanted to lead the Israelites from the very beginning (Ex. 4:13). Moses initially rejected God’s calling to leadership. But once he accepted, he learned to trust God and seek Him in all circumstances.
God’s presence and His guidance does not mean there will be no difficulties. But when God guides, he provides. As a leader in the community of faith, engrave this promise on our heart and lean on it for strength and inspiration when you are ridiculed or threatened.
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