“This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.” – Acts 7:35
Sometimes you will face doubts, skepticism, or outright rejection from others as you live out God’s will for your life. It will be most painful when it comes from fellow Christians. That doesn’t mean you’re wrong. Moses was rejected. The prophets were rejected. Jesus was rejected. Of course, you should always carefully listen to and weigh the thoughts, questions, and concerns of wise Christians whose lives demonstrate their faithfulness and connection to God. Nonetheless, if you have a clear understanding of God’s will, stay faithful to that calling, no matter what!
Anyone called to hard Christian service (and that’s everyone who follows Jesus) will face serious discouragement at times. Sometimes that will come from circumstances and events that don’t go your way. Setbacks. Defeats. Delays. Failures. Sometimes discouragement will come from well-meaning people who don’t understand or who advise taking an easier path. That isn’t the way of the cross!
To resist the inevitable temptations to give up, back down, or compromise on God’s calling, you must stay close to Him! You won’t be able to do the hard work of long obedience apart from God. You must be diligent in prayer, in study and meditation on Scripture, in public and private worship. You must regularly step back from the busyness and just be alone and still before God. You must let Him stiffen your resolve, revive your weary spirit, and provide encouragement greater than any earthly discouragement.