Exodus 18 - A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed

I am sitting here this morning having a difficult time getting started on this writing...praying that God will give me the words that someone needs to hear. Usually this is pretty easy. Maybe I am just tired or still trying to wrap my head around some things that happened yesterday...

When I read Exodus 18 I see that God provides people in your life to help you when you are overwhelmed, over worked, and sometimes just plain over it. 

I love how Jethro "was delighted to hear about all of the good things the Lord had done". He immediately recognized that this was from God, gave praise and offered a sacrifice. 

I think that because Jethro was removed from the situation he could step back and see the bigger picture. 

Jethro was able to see that this set up was not going to work. Moses was going to be overwhelmed and it would eventually become overwhelming and not benefit anyone. 

Jethro offered advice in love. His motives were clear. He didn't want Moses to become weary so he gave advice. 

"Moses listened to him and did everything he said."

I am so thankful for the Jethro's in my life. When I am overwhelmed, over committed, over stressed, over worked, over, over, over....

We cannot do our best for God when we are over. We may think that we are doing good work but sometimes we are "working" so much that we lose sight of what is reasonable and we lose sight on what our purpose and intentions were to begin with. 

I guess my take away here this morning is that I have to open my eyes to my situation and to the situation of others. 

I need to live my life for Christ and be in constant connection with him so that I can see what areas of my life need attention. I also need to be able to see the needs of my friends. 

If we are so overwhelmed as Christian women how are we supposed to help others? 

Do they need someone to listen to them? Do they need me to pray with them? Do they need help cleaning up their classroom? (You know who you are and I am coming to help.)

Lord God thank you for the sweet friends you have placed in my life. Thank you for the encouragement that they have given to me. Thank you for the knowledge you have given to them that has been discerned just for me. Heavenly Father thank you for sending them just when I needed them. Thank you for the kind of friendship where they can just walk into my classroom, Sunday School room, or house and know something is not right with me. Lord, thank you for the times you use me to help others. Lord help me to see these opportunities today. Help me to be an encourager with sound advice, a good listening ear, and an empathetic heart. Lord thank you for showing that you care about every detail of our lives. Thank you for your love in the form of beautiful friendships. Thank you for the opportunities you give to us today to help and encourage others. Amen