Read: Exodus 18:13-27
Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.
Exodus 18:18 KJV
For many of us there is a desire to help others.
To be a support in any way we can.
After listening and trying to help others, we can get to a place where we struggle.
There is a struggle to see if we need to keep doing it.
In time, we become what psychologists’ term as “burned-out good Samaritans.”
Those in the positions of ministry, medical and law enforcement are especially vulnerable.
But any of us who desire to do good can be physically and emotionally wounded.
Many will look at their emotional status to determine if they should quit, stop caring or rethink how they are doing things.
As Christians, we find ourselves having the feeling of uncertainty.
Struggling to determine which direction to take.
We know that helping others is a part of our calling.
That there are times when we can feel burned out.
We do not want to quit helping others, because we want to do what the Father has called us to do.
We do not want to become the one who falls short of His example.
Those are the times we have to remember that there is a way out.
That we can make the necessary changes needed to ease our burdens.
To do like Moses when he listened to what Jethro, his father-in-law said.
Moses kept to his business from morning to night.
Jethro thought it was too much for him to undertake alone.
That by doing so, it would make the administration of justice tiresome to the people.
He told him, “Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone” (Exodus 18:18 KJV).
That there can be over-doing even in well-doing.
Moses took heed to what he was being told.
He began to use his ability to assign certain tasks to others.
Still watching what was happening.
But also trusting they would do what was expected of them.
It is the Lord’s desire that we do not become a burned-out good Samaritan.
Like Moses, we must recognize our limitations.
To not push ourselves to the point where we are worn out.
We are to take the time to learn how to manage things wisely.
To be wise on how to adjust our service to Him.
To know when to seek the help of others.
Taking care in choosing the right people to assist us.
So that the work of spreading the Word is successful.
So all will prosper in the end.
The Lord desires the best for us all.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Lord, our desire is to follow the calling You have in our lives. But there are times when we become mentally, physically, and spiritually exhausted. Trying to determine if we will give up on what we are called to do. Help us to remember that we do not have to do everything by ourselves. That there are others that can help us accomplish the goals set before us. That You will place in our hearts who they are. We want to be the good Samaritan that goes the distance. The one that fulfills the plans You have for us. Thank You for supplying all our needs.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen