Misunderstood Mission: Navigating Skepticism and Isolation on God’s Path

Acts 7:25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.

Perhaps one of the biggest disappointments one will face who has a call of God on his or her life is that of being totally misunderstood by the brethren. For, you see, misunderstanding typically leads to skepticism, which leads to criticism, and then ultimately ends in rejection. It’s not easy doing what God has called you to do, while at the same time being rejected by those whom you thought would aid you in your cause and be happy for your success. However, you learn very quickly that most people are not near as excited about the path God is leading you down as you are! As a matter of fact, some may even get downright angry. Understand this; they are not angry because they see you succeed, but they are angry because they do not see themselves succeed. Do not allow the perception of others to knock you out of focus from what you know God has called you to do. Do not be surprised when you stop what you’re doing, look around, and notice that no one that was there before has even cared enough to remain loyal to you. It is in these times of isolation that God instills in His leaders the greatest qualities needed to perform His divine purposes in their lives. We must be taught to be totally dependent upon God and God alone, because it is only He that will be able to perform that good work which He has begun in us to start with. If the brethren had started the work, then we might have reason for concern when they misunderstand us; however, the brethren did not start this work, and neither will they finish it. Jesus is the author and the finisher of our faith, so let us look unto Him, because He is faithful! Moses was just as surprised as anybody when he figured out that his brethren completely overlooked his surrendered heart and concluded rather that he was just wanting to lord over them. The good news is, in the end, the Lord still delivered the brethren by the hand of Moses, regardless of their misconception of what was going down. The brethren do not have to understand or support you in order for God’s will to come to pass in your life. All you have to have is a relentless faith and a clear vision of God’s divine purpose, and He shall make it come to pass!

~ Pastor Gary Caudill
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