Lord, I have every reason to Trust You and to praise Your Name!

Imagine being asked to do a job and then not being given the support you need to get the work done. In fact, instead of hearing words of encouragement, you only hear one discouraging report after another.

The Israelites longed to be free from Egyptian bondage. They had prayed for this. In fact, Scripture indicates that they had cried out to God for years, seeking freedom from Egyptian enslavement.

Moses was chosen for the job of deliverer, but from the beginning, things did not go well for Moses. Even before the plagues began, his approval ratings took a nosedive. After being told they would be forced to make bricks without straw, the Israelite overseers met Moses with these words, "May the Lord look upon you and judge you! You have made us a stench to Pharaoh and his officials and have put a sword in their hand to kill us" (Exodus 5:21).

Pharaoh's anger frightened the people, and they turned on Moses. Even after they were released from bondage, their criticism of God's leader continued. By the time they reached the shoreline of the Red Sea, the Israelites were furious with Moses and Aaron and shouted, "Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die?" (Exodus 14:11).

While the words of the Israelites may have given occasion for weariness, Moses did not give up—instead, he chose to trust God. If you are the target of someone's criticism because of your obedience to God’s plan, take heart—you are in good company. Jesus endured the cruelty of others, too. Guard your heart and take care that you do not become critical in the process.

Prayer: Our Loving Heavenly Father, Thank you for never leaving or forsaking me. Far too often, I become like the Israelites and complain about the path You have chosen for me—even when I have every reason to trust You and to praise Your name. Please forgive me for grumbling and complaining. Also, please forgive me for allowing others to derail me from Your path because of their discomfort with it. Please help me to be faithful in You. Thank You for Your continual protection and strength. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, In Jesus Loving Name I Pray, Amen.