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Are You All Things to All People?

You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.  Exodus 18:18 NIV

Photo courtesy of pixabay.The load was getting to be more than I could handle. Juggling too many responsibilities while trying to please everyone and attend to their needs was draining the life out of me.

Life can be demanding and stressful. It pulls us in a gazillion different directions while we try to accommodate every demand, handle every situation, and do everything ourselves. But we can’t … at least not for long.

The truth is, none of us are superheroes. We all have talents and abilities, but we also have limitations. That’s why we need each other.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 (NIV) says two are better than one. But most of the time, we’re much too embarrassed or prideful to ask for help. The Message puts it this way: It’s better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, But if there’s no one to help, tough!

When Moses was responsible for the children of Israel, his task was overwhelming—especially with all the whining, complaining, and petty issues he had to deal with on a daily basis. The weight of doing everything by himself became more than he could handle. He tried to be all things to all people … all the time. But it didn’t work.

It couldn’t work because that was not what God intended. Moses’ father-in-law came to the rescue when he suggested asking for help and delegating authority. The plan worked well, and Moses was able to resume his rightful, God-given duties as leader.

If you have too much on your plate and you’re trying to do it all by yourself, stop and look around. Ask for help. God has put people in your life who are willing to come alongside and take up the slack. They will ease your burden and help you carry the load.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)


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Andrea Merrell

Andrea Merrell is an award-winning author and professional freelance editor. She is an associate editor with Christian Devotions Ministries and was a finalist for the 2016 Editor of the Year Award at BRMCWC and the 2018 Excellence in Editing award by the Christian Editors Network. Andrea is a graduate of Christian Communicators and was a finalist in the 2015 USA Best Book Awards and the 2018 Selah Awards, as well as a semi-finalist in the 2018 ACFW Genesis contest. She has been published in numerous anthologies and online venues, teaches workshops on writing and editing, and is the co-founder and regular contributor to www.TheWriteEditing.com, a blog designed specifically for writers. Andrea is the author of Murder of a Manuscript, Praying for the Prodigal, and Marriage: Make It or Break It. Contact her at www.AndreaMerrell.com.

 


Comments

  1. Thanks for the reminder Andrea. Sometimes I hesitate to ask for help when others would be willing and glad to assist.