Stressed OutSample

Moses was leading a nation of millions of people. And when there were disputes among the people, Moses was hearing every single case and acted as judge between them. This took up his entire day, from morning until evening. When Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came to visit, he said this: “What you are doing is not good. . . . The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone” (Exodus 18:17-18). Jethro suggested that Moses appoint capable and trustworthy people to preside over smaller groups of people. In other words, to delegate the responsibility. Moses listened, and the load got much lighter. Scripture says: “The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves” (Exodus 18:26).

In the same way, God has given you the people around you to help carry your load. If you find yourself in a stressful situation, an overwhelming situation where you’re at the end of your resources, think about what the people around you can take off your shoulders. When people say, “What can I do to help,” really think of an answer that would provide you with some relief. Maybe they can pay for a meal delivery service so you can take care of a sick family member instead of cooking. Maybe they can take your kids off your hands for a few hours so you can get some work done on a pressing work deadline. God’s answer to your prayers for help can often come in the form of the hands and feet of the people He’s placed in your life who love Him and want to help.