SCRIPTURE:
“Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”
Exodus 18:17-18
OBSERVATION:
From morning until evening, Moses sat as the judge presiding over the disputes of the people. He would decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions. Observing all of this, Jethro, his father-in-law gave him some advice that was much needed.
APPLICATION:
If we are being honest, it can be hard to ask for help. The world teaches us that we need to be self-sufficient and to get things figured out on our own. This kind of thinking doesn’t make you stronger, it just makes you tired and can have some dire consequences if you aren’t careful.
There was a period in my life where I felt like I HAD to do EVERYTHING. I felt like the responsibility to take care of several family members fell on me. No one said this to me outright, it was something that I took on for myself. I suffered from the dreaded Superman syndrome.
I literally thought that I could do it all and that I wouldn’t need any help from anyone. I saw it as being a “servant” to others, but honestly it was rooted in pride. Pride that only I could do it, pride that I didn’t need help from anyone else…not even God.
Soon enough my body started feeling it and at one point, pushed into survival mode, I ended up needing to go to the hospital. After having to explain what got me to that point, the Doctor’s words to me sounded A LOT like Jethro’s:
“What you are doing is not good…you will only wear yourself out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.”
God put people in our lives for a reason. We weren’t meant to do life alone. We need one another and need to ask for help. Above all else, we need to ensure that we are going to God for help, wisdom and direction.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord when I have foolishly thought that I could do it all alone. Thank You Lord for those You have put around me. Please help me to ask for help from others, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
