Never forget: to make an impact, you must be comfortable facing a bit of ridicule—and even having people think you’re a little crazy. The moment you focus on doing what you’re called to do, without worrying about what others will say, you’ll experience incredible freedom. So often, we think, “What if I do that? What will my spouse, kids, teachers, or parents say? What will society or my peers think?”

And very often, they say nothing at all. As Marcus Aurelius said, we suffer more in imagination than in reality. Moses likely knew people thought he was crazy, but God instructed him to throw his staff on the ground, and it became a snake. When he picked it up, it turned back into a staff. God then told him to put his hand inside his jacket; when he pulled it out, it was leprous. After placing it back in, his hand was clean again. God gave Moses miracle-working power. You’d think that would be enough for Moses, but it wasn’t.

My friend, even after witnessing these miracles, Moses told God, “I’m not a good speaker. I stutter and I’m not eloquent.” God, growing a bit impatient, replied, “I created mouths, and I will give you the words to say.” Through all of this, God never gave up on Moses. Isn’t it interesting how patient God is? When He truly wants us to do something and we try to give Him reasons to choose someone else, He continues to reach out and encourage us.