In Acts 7:35, we read, "This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush." This passage holds profound truths about calling, rejection, and the conviction of God's divine selection.

Moses is a figure that many of us know—his story is woven into the fabric of the Old Testament. Born during a time of Jewish oppression in Egypt, his life begins with extraordinary circumstances that place him on a journey of deliverance. However, that journey is riddled with tension, self-doubt, and rejection. Acts 7:35 opens our understanding to a significant turning point in Moses' life that echoes into our lives today: being sent by God does not shield us from being misunderstood and rejected.

Consider the audacity of Moses’ calling. Here was a man raised in the palace of Pharaoh—an Egyptian prince. Yet, his heart was always with his people, the Israelites, who were suffering under heavy burdens of slavery. Despite his regal upbringing, the moment he tries to take action to help his people, he is met with strong disbelief and outright rejection from his own people. When he intervenes and kills an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew, the reaction from the Israelites is revealing: "Who made thee a ruler and a judge?" This question embodies skepticism not just about Moses’ identity, but also about his authority and ability to lead.

How often do we face similar scrutiny when we pursue what God has called us to do? We might hear similar voices that suggest we are unqualified, undeserving, or unworthy of our calling. This disbelief, stemming often from personal insecurities or brokenness, can lead us to disqualify ourselves before we even step into the potential God envisions for us. Such internal conflict can prevent us from stepping forward into God’s plans for our lives.

Yet, it is crucial to understand that rejection does not negate God's purpose. In fact, it can be a part of the divine narrative unfolding in our lives. Moses was not deterred by their rejection; instead, God patiently prepared him in the wilderness after this moment of skepticism. It is in these hidden times, away from the acclaim or skepticism of the world, that God often does His most transformative work.

Moses’s story encourages us to recognize that God's sending is validated by His sovereign will and not by the acceptance or rejection of others. In Acts 7:35, we see that God responded to the doubts and rejections not with condemnation, but with further calling. "The same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer…" God saw in Moses the heart and capability required for the monumental task ahead, even when Moses himself struggled to see it.

In our moments of doubt, it is essential to lean into our relationship with God and remember the pivotal truth: our worth is not determined by public opinion or by our past experiences. God calls the unlikely; He equips those who are willing, despite their fears and failures. When we hear the whispers of doubt, we can respond with prayer, seeking clarity and courage. Through Scripture, community, and reflection, let us remind ourselves that if God has called us, He will also empower us to fulfill that calling, regardless of others' opinions or our internal struggles.

As we navigate life's challenges and the call placed upon us, let us take heart. Just like Moses, we are equipped to become agents of change in our families, communities, and the world, holding tightly to the assurance that our God is directing our steps. May we embrace our identity as children of God, chosen and called for His specific purpose, recognizing that even in our rejection, God’s voice of affirmation remains, guiding our path toward fulfillment and deliverance.