Handling Criticism
Then Moses cried out to the Lord, "What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me." (Exodus 17:4)
Criticism pierces deeper than a harsh, judgmental words. Criticism can drag you down. Moses found this out. He didn't want to be a leader. He knew that he would have to pay the price of criticism.
The story of the wilderness journey is one in which Moses is constantly maligned. You would think that the people would appreciate his courageous leadership. Instead they cry out, "If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire assembly to death" (Exodus 16:3).
God provided for their need. He gave a promise for a future. Again they complained, criticizing Moses. The reason? He had run out of water. Once again they murmured against him, complaining about the fact that he had led them out of Egypt. What had been so horrible before looked so good in the difficult moment. Poor Moses. Broken by criticism, he falls on his face before God and cries out, '"What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me'" (Exodus 17:4).
God told Moses: get up and get going. He would provide. Moses did his best in a difficult situation.
Anyone who is going to accomplish anything in life will be criticized. Jesus Himself was despised and rejected of men. He was a Man of sorrows. The Bible says that He was acquainted with grief.
If you don't keep your focus on the Lord, laboring for His "well done," you can get discouraged. Here are a few tips to handle criticism and discouragement from others.
1. Remember God's Goodness To You In The Past. Start making a list of all the things that have been good about life, all of the things that have been positive. Remember God's goodness. "Count your many blessings, name them one by one and it will surprise you what the Lord has done." Remember God's goodness to you in the past.
2. Remember God's Presence Is With You. Jesus says "Lo, I am with you always. I will never leave you or forsake you." You are never without Christ. Open up your eyes and see God's closeness in the present. There is no experience in life that you'll go through that God doesn't go through with you. He's with you right now.
3. Remember His Promise For The Future. God's word is full of promises. God says, "As your days are so shall your strength be. ... I will give you the power.... I will help you." Over and over again God gives these promises for your strength in His word.
Ignore the criticism and discouragement of others. It can take your dreams from you. Stay positive and focused. God is with you.