Reminders for Lifeنموونە

The Power of a Helpful Community 

Balancing all the demands of life is hard. There’s a whole lot of new struggles that come with adulting. Work-life balance. Being a good friend and family member. Taking care of yourself physically and mentally. And so much more. We have all of these responsibilities, and sometimes it’s hard to juggle it all. 

What would Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, tell you? Everything isn’t up to you. 

After Moses started serving as a judge for the Israelites, Jethro pulled him aside and told him that he needed to make some changes. He needed to get help from some capable, trustworthy, and God-fearing men. Jethro said this would be the way that Moses would be able to “endure the pressure” (Exodus 18:23). 

Similarly, you need to ask for help and lean on your community. You can’t run on fumes, and like Moses, you can endure and be less stressed if you learn to lean on others. 

God didn’t design us to live or survive alone. In fact, the first thing that God said wasn’t good was that man was alone (Genesis 2:18). We need community, and we need help. And there’s no shame in asking for it. 

Whether you need help from God, a friend, family member, counselor, church family member, or pastor, ask for it. 

Moses took Jethro’s advice, and after that, Moses went on to write down the 10 commandments, kept hearing from and living for God even more, and leading the Israelites. Imagine how much more you can take on and how you can truly walk in your purpose when you stop trying to do everything on your own. 

What do you need to stop carrying alone? 

Pray: God, thank You for wise counsel and for community. As I let go of control and of some tasks, specifically of ____, I just ask that You give me peace. I may want to do “all the things,” but I can’t do everything alone and by myself. Thank You for community and for people who love me enough to lend a helping hand. In Jesus’ name, amen.