Yesterday, we saw that God met Ezekiel in the middle of a season of exile with a divine vision that led him to his call as a prophet. Because the Israelites in Babylon were blatantly rebelling against their Heavenly Father in acts of idolatry and paganism (such as child sacrifice and temple prostitution), He needed to warn them that judgment was coming if they didn’t change their ways. Always faithful and long-suffering, the Lord chose to speak through Ezekiel to give the Jews a chance to turn from evil and return to His heart. Following the Holy Spirit’s prompts, the prophet faithfully delivered God’s message with passion and pleading, yet the people refused to listen. They were stubborn and obstinate, and even though he was laughed at, scoffed, and mocked for speaking truth, the Lord’s servant continued on. Because he knew he had been set apart for this very purpose, he couldn’t be dissuaded from doing the right thing; the revelation of divine power in him was too great to forfeit his call for the sake of personal comfort. And so it should be for us today. While we may not see a flaming chariot in the sky, our Savior reveals Himself in power and glory as we earnestly seek His face. When He gives us divine direction and a clarified sense of purpose, it’s wise to move ahead and refuse to back down in discouragement.

My friend, you’ve been set apart to make a difference in God’s Kingdom, so don’t let naysayers stop you. Every step you take in obedience to your King is sure to be challenged by the juvenile, the judgy, and the jealous, but you are divinely empowered to carry on. You’re commissioned to build Christ’s Church, not protect your comfort, so keep pressing ahead no matter how loud the opposition gets. You’re perfectly equipped and uniquely positioned to have a huge impact, and as you devote yourself  to carrying out His good plans, He will bless you fruitfully and abundantly!