There are times when God brings someone into our life at the right moment to speak wisdom. Such was the case in Exodus 18 where Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, meets him in the wilderness after he “heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people (18:1, NASB).” Jethro observes how Moses was acting as judge over all the people and observes, “The thing that you are doing is not good. You will surely wear out, both yourself and these people who are with you, for the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone (17-18).”
Jethro made an astute observation and gave Moses some wise advice. He advised him to teach the Israelites “the statutes and the laws, and make known to them the way in which they are to walk and the work they are to do (20).” Then he suggested he appoint people he could trust to act as “leaders of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties and of tens (21);” leaders who could act as judges over minor disputes.
So often we get caught up in doing things, in managing our hectic life, that we don’t seek perspective from others. People God places in our life can see the things we do not and offer us advice. Prayerfully seek God to provide these people in your life, people that can offer wise counsel when it’s needed. Equally important is that you do what Moses did when you receive this counsel: “So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said (24).”
#Retrospective: This post first published October 13, 2020.
140 Character Christian 
I’m trying to abide by this in this current year. To turn to God when things are going well, and when that are not. To trust God, and the wider people he puts in front of me, when obstacles are too much for me to face alone. These are bible verses I would do well to revisit daily.
So many times in my life I have been blessed by people God put in my life at critical moments. But often I had to take the initiative to reach out to them and share my need — to be open with them about my struggles. Having good Christian counsel is so important. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
Great reminder! Abraham also was instructed to listen to Sarah when Ishmael was picking on Isaac. Jehovah keeps us humble by reminding us we need to be open and willing to accept counsel and discipline.
I am thankful for the Spirit of God to guide us. But yes, we must be open to His counsel and discipline. Thanks for the comment. Blessings
Excellent word CG Thelen! Listening to others in my own life. Paying attention to feedback and how others in my life see things. Thank you
Thanks for sharing. Listening to the advice of others is something I know I need to keep working on. Sometimes I tend to want to be like Moses and try to do things on my own. Blessings.
My family and I went on a hike just 3 days prior to you posting this. He spoke the word, Exodus to me. I was trying to make sense of it at the time, but the connection just wasn’t there yet. After reading this, I can totally relate to the “wearing out,” “task too heavy,” and “People God places in our life can see the things we do not and offer us advice.” This all makes so much more sense now. As a teacher, I have been heavily weighted down, living and teaching in a new reality. Having someone to help me keep life in perspective, encourage me to care for myself, has been a gift from God! I thank Him for the people He has placed in my life to help me through my days! Thank you so much for sharing at precisely the right moment in my life 🙂
My wife and I have a good friend who is a teacher. It is such a difficult time right now to be teaching. I pray you will find strength and encouragement in our Lord Jesus. May His peace envelope you. I pray God will continue to place people in your life who can counsel and encourage you during this difficult time. You are not alone. Thank you for sharing your situation and your thoughts. Blessings.
SUCH a miracle that God uses people to reveal Himself to each other!
Well said. May we be open to being used by God to bring his counsel to others. Blessings.
A friend and I were just talking about this yesterday! And today’s verse was “An open rebuke is better than hidden love.” Proverbs 27:5 💚 be blessed!
Sounds like you have a great friend to talk with about what God is telling you. Makes me think of another Proverb, 19:20: “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.” Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
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