Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves. -Exodus 18:24-26 (NIV)
Have you ever just kept charging at a problem or challenge in your life and worn yourself out, just getting more and more frustrated? It seems like the challenge will always outlast you.
It could be the endless job applications and interviews when you’re looking for work, and waiting for that one employer to take you on. It could be the mountain of obligations you have to family and friends. It could be fear or addiction or resentment you can’t shake.
Moses had a similar predicament following the rescue of the Israelites from the hands of the Egyptians. With the very best intentions and obedience to serve God in mind, Moses listened to every single case and dispute brought to him by the people. As you can imagine, all of his time and energy was spent doing this, and the very people he was helping in service to God must’ve waited in a long line all day and night!
But there’s always a better way than to keep plugging away in our own strength, and God will work through us to find it. Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, suggested Moses select representatives who could then handle cases over swaths of the people. Only the most difficult cases would then be brought to Moses. So, the load was distributed and handled far more intelligently and efficiently.
In the same way, we can share our burdens and frustrations with fellow siblings in Christ to get a fresh perspective and approach on how we might better handle things. Likewise, we can do the same for them. For the glory of God, we will not only give our all, but in the best way we can.
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