Summary
Exodus 18 gives us a beautiful lesson about wisdom, leadership, humility, and accepting help.
Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, hears about everything God has done for Moses and the Israelites—how He rescued them from Egypt and delivered them from Pharaoh. Jethro comes to visit Moses, bringing Moses’ wife, Zipporah, and his two sons with him.
Moses tells Jethro all that the LORD has done for Israel. Instead of simply hearing the story, Jethro celebrates what God has done and praises Him.
The next day, Jethro notices something concerning.
Moses is sitting alone judging the people from morning until evening. Whenever someone has a disagreement or needs direction, they come directly to Moses.
Jethro immediately sees the problem: Moses is trying to carry too much by himself.
He tells Moses that what he is doing is not good because both Moses and the people will eventually become exhausted.
Jethro advises Moses to continue teaching the people God’s ways but to appoint trustworthy, God-fearing men to help handle the smaller matters. Only the difficult cases should be brought to Moses.
Moses listens.
He does not allow pride to make him reject advice. Instead, he recognizes wisdom when he hears it and puts Jethro’s counsel into practice.
Exodus 18 reminds us that God never intended for us to carry every responsibility alone.
Sometimes accepting help is not weakness.
It is wisdom.
Observations
1. Tell People What God Has Done
2. You Were Never Meant to Carry Everything Alone
3. Wisdom Requires Humility
Life Application
Exodus 18 asks us to look at what we are carrying.
Are you trying to do everything yourself?
Are you exhausted because you believe asking for help means you are failing?
Are there responsibilities you could share, delegate, or release?
Sometimes we pray for God to make us stronger when God may be showing us that we need support.
Moses did not stop being the leader when he delegated responsibilities.
He became a wiser leader.
There are some things God has specifically called you to carry, but there are also things you may be holding onto simply because you have become used to doing everything yourself.
Ask God for the wisdom to know the difference.
You do not have to prove your strength by constantly being overwhelmed.
God can send people, wisdom, resources, and support to help you along the way.
Questions
- What am I currently carrying that may be too heavy for me to handle alone?
- Is there someone God has placed in my life whose wise advice I need to seriously consider?
- Am I willing to ask for help or delegate something, or is pride making me believe I have to do everything myself?
Memory Verse
Exodus 18:17–18 NIV
“What you are doing is not good… You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out.”
Encouragement 💕
You do not have to be everything to everyone.
You do not have to solve every problem.
You do not have to carry every burden by yourself.
Even Moses needed help.
God knows your limits better than you do, and sometimes His provision comes through other people.
Allow yourself to receive the help God sends.
You can be strong and still need support.
You can be capable and still delegate.
You can be faithful without being exhausted.
There is wisdom in knowing what God has called you to carry—and what He never asked you to carry alone.
Father God,
Thank You for reminding me that I do not have to carry everything alone. Give me wisdom to recognize when I have taken on too much and humility to accept help when You send it.
Help me listen to godly counsel and recognize the people You have placed in my life for support.
Teach me what responsibilities are truly mine and give me peace about releasing the things that are not.
Protect me from exhaustion, pride, and the belief that I always have to do everything myself.
Help me lead, serve, and live with wisdom.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen. 🤍
Read It Yourself 📖
Take some quiet time today and read Exodus 18 for yourself.
Don’t Have a Bible? 💕
If you do not have a Bible of your own, please reach out to me.
I would love to buy you one.
I never want not having a Bible to be the reason you cannot read God’s Word with us. 🤍
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