Moses and Jethro
Open Your Bible
Exodus 17:8-16, Exodus 18:1-27, Proverbs 19:20
BY Vivian Mabuni
Text: Exodus 17:8-16, Exodus 18:1-27, Proverbs 19:20
Life as a young mom had left me exhausted and exasperated. My hair was forever in a ponytail, and I rarely snagged a shower. Variations of snot, food, and crusted drool had taken up residence on the sleeves and shoulders of my shirts. The hope of ever again going to the bathroom in peace—alone and with the door closed—had become a distant memory.
I was in the throes of a whole new world, just trying to keep the littles alive and fed. And I was struggling to connect with God. The loss of that connection gnawed away at me, and left me with a deep sense of guilt. The days of long, uninterrupted Bible study and prayer now seemed long gone, and I missed them.
My friend Prisca has three grown sons, and her youngest was once part of our on-campus college ministry. He was mentored by my husband throughout his college years, and so we got to know him well, witnessing firsthand how he lived out his faith—grounded, humble, secure, and wildly generous.
I grew to admire and appreciate the role his parents played in raising him, and in particular his mom. I can clearly remember one of our first meals together in their home. Prisca listened with warmth and understanding as my tears rolled down and words tumbled out. I shared both the struggles and joys of new motherhood, and confessed my shame in not feeling connected to God during such a challenging season of life.
Jethro knew Moses was in a difficult season. He knew well the call God had on Moses’ life and how his son-in-law’s heart longed to serve God and minister to His people. But he could also see the unsustainability of how Moses was going about his life. He took the time to listen to Moses and observe his situation, before offering wise counsel (Exodus 18:13-16).
“‘What you’re doing is not good,’ Moses’ father-in-law said to him. ‘You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone.’”
-Exodus 18:17-18
I fully expected Prisca, an amazingly godly woman, to admonish me about the importance of God’s Word and how I needed to rise earlier and work harder to protect my time with God. But instead, Prisca touched my arm and with a joyful laugh, shared, “You know, these are busy, challenging years you’re in, but it won’t always be like this. I remember going grocery shopping by myself once, when I was where you are. I just stopped and stared at the oranges for a long, long time…”
Prisca’s words were like a sweet balm seeping into the deeper parts of my soul, bringing relief and, honestly, surprise. Her words of grace met my depleted body and soul exactly where I needed them. They encouraged me to stop striving and rest in order to keep from burning out. To stop trying to do it all on my own. She assured me that in my surrender, God would show me new ways of connecting with Him.
We all need a Jethro in our lives. We need someone who will patiently build our trust by observing and listening without judgment. We need people to seek out our hearts, instead of quickly offering unsolicited advice. And should we be blessed with such a friend, may we learn from their wisdom and heed their advice.
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”
-Proverbs 19:20
37 thoughts on "Moses and Jethro"
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Thank You
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This was perfect for me today. I often take on more than I can handle. In my mind, I a superwoman, conquerer of all things :) I want to be able to do it all, and feel guilt and failure when I am unable to do so. God has placed amazing people in my life to offer wisdom and help when I need it, and I am so thankful; I just need to remember to utilize them more!
It is so important to remember that we are not meant to do this life alone, and that we should look to our Father for guidance and wisdom so we don’t grow weary. Thank you for this devotional Vivian, this was what I needed to see. -
I am a mom of a 2 and a 3 yr old. I know what you mean (specially the long time staring at oranges). Last night I received an email of a person telling me what a blessing I was to her when I said something about prayer about 6 years ago. I almost cried. I thought there was so little of the person I once was (wit long devotional times, and even time to tell people advices!). But, as you said, there are seasons in life. And been a mom is MY season now. Thank you for becoming the Jethro in my life, as I read this.
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I don’t know where I would be without my sisters in Christ. Ladies of SRT especially, as this was my introduction to the bible. It’s wonderful to see how quickly the love of the Word and sharing Jesus grows from there. Thankful for all of you!
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So glad you have been introduced to God’s grace. Sending blessings your way, your sister in Christ.
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What a fantastic devotional for the day. So many times I find myself trying to walk with Christ alone, when that is not the intended design. Powerful word! Thank you so much!
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This means so much to me today. I homeschool our 6 year old and try to juggle an almost 4 year old and a 13 month old. I am often discouraged with how quickly the day goes and frustrated with how little time with God I get. Thank you for this encouragement.
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I feel you sister, I also homeschool my 6 year old, while juggling my 4 year old and 20 month old. We live overseas and sometimes the pressure of seeing others in ministry saying yes to so much has me often feeling not enough. But then I remember my little tribe is my ministry in this season and so I pray for His strength and am so grateful for some neighbours here that are so helpful in looking after the littlies, today’s passage showed me it’s like they’re holding my arms up!
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This goes hand in hand with needing to walk in community which is so so so important. I’m so thankful to be surrounded by believers who challenge me, prayer for me, lift me up, listen to me, grieve with me, and on some days hold me. I wouldn’t get out of bed if it weren’t for these ladies and Jesus
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Boy, do I want this so badly. I’ve prayed for a small group or even one person like that for so long.
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H, I am part of a small group on Facebook. We are halfway through Deuteronomy but if you’d like, you can add me on there and we can extend the invite for our next book to you. We lift each other in prayer and even through social media it still means a lot. My name on there is Asia Kuzba. You are never alone!
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I have been in a very interesting season this past year. So many wonderful things happening, but also some very big shifts in thinking, most of which are job related. My hubby has an amazing opportunity to golf in the King’s Cup in Ireland next week representing Team USA vs. Team Ireland…..and needless to say, I am going with him :) However, the school board took a stand a couple of years ago for “no vacations, no unpaid days”. I had 4 personal days, but needed 1 unpaid day….I went to board meeting after board meeting. To their credit, they did try to get creative with my contract, however, mid year made it tough. I ended up having to take a leave of absence for the duration of the school year. Tomorrow is my last day. On Monday (the 25th) I will have been the school nurse for 15 years. I love my job. I am passionate about my job….however, I tend to take on too much. When they cut the social worker and family support worker, I somehow absorbed a lot of those responsibilities……we have had a huge change over in staff and I have tried to help them be comfortable and find their way….each thing is no big deal, however, it adds up. A LOT….and I am worn. I think God knew I needed to press reset…..as hard as it is, I will have the month of May (we did extend our trip a couple of days because I now have lots of time! LOL!). Pray for me sisters. Pray that my eyes be opened to God’s plan, His chosen path. I am intending to return to my position in the fall at this time, however, I am not certain if that is MY plan or God’s. I am praying for clarity. Where is He leading me? Back to my position? To advance practice nursing? To functional medicine (a huge passion)? To being home (very weird to think of with my boys being so old)….I will be 39 in June lots of time to do different things, however – my oldest 2 boys will be graduating in the next two years….leaving our youngest son home for a few years….lots of questions, praying for answers…..thank you sisters for joining me…..for being my spiritual helpers <3
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Awesome! Proud of you for talking a step in faith and leaving your job knowing that God will provide! Be relentless in prayer and He will show you the path He desires for you! xx
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I believe God places good “huge passion” on our hearts for a good purpose. I will be praying for you, Heather! And that you find so much joy and peace and rest while you are away.
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Praying for you, Heather, that this next few months is a time of rest and refreshment for you, and that you will know God leading you and directing your steps.
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Oh, Heather, how wonderful that you’ll be accompanying your husband to Ireland…and the fact that it means a long vacation for you, as you said, isn’t any surprise to our God. :) Yes, perhaps you (like we all, from time to time) need “to press reset”. I’ll be praying for your discernment in the matter, and also praying that you’ll be able to relax while on the ‘Emerald Island’ and thoroughly enjoy your time there! Remember the promise in Proverbs 3:5,6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He *will* direct your path.” (That’s a promise we can count on!) Blessings, dear Sister!
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Well done for being brave enough to leave your established position and launch out into the unknown! It does sound like a new season may be there …. To have you leave your job of 15 years over a one day request when it’s such special circumstances????? It doesn’t seem logical at all but maybe the start of something fresh and fabulous in your life!!!!
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it isn’t logical at all…..that’s why I feel God’s hand it really at work. He provided a peace thru it all that has been indescribable. There are many (co-workers, community members, even some board members) who have been irate and un-in-arms over it all, however, I have been at peace. I just am not sure of the “what’s next”……I know He led me to this time off, but beyond this????? Lord lead me…..direct my steps….bring clarity and peace…..
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