OF REST AND DELEGATION
“Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 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 18:17-18 NIV
We live in a time where “hustle culture” is almost dignified as a virtue. A recent Harvard Business School report notes that nearly 66% of the American workforce reports burnout, with over 80% among younger workers ages 18–34. Exhaustion has become normalized. Overextension is applauded while rest is often mistaken for weakness.
Yet this is not new. In our theme scripture, Moses is doing a good work, but in an unsustainable way. His father-in-law, Jethro, lovingly confronts him: “What you are doing is not good.” Notice that he does not question Moses’ calling, nor the importance of the work. He questions the method.
There is no glory in over-stretching our capacity to the point of collapse. Faithfulness does not require self-destruction. God never designed His servants to carry alone what was meant to be shared. Shortly after, Moses appoints capable leaders, delegates responsibility, and the burden becomes lighter (Exodus 18:21–23).
Effectiveness is not merely measured by how much we achieve; the strategy matters as much as the final product. Kingdom wisdom values sustainability. Even our Lord modeled rhythm, withdrawing to pray, resting, and empowering others (Mark 6:31; Luke 10:1).
Burnout is often not a sign of devotion as many mistake it, but of misalignment. Delegation is not abdication nor rest laziness. Both are acknowledgments of our humanity. We are stewards, not saviors.
May we have the humility of Moses, to receive correction, and the wisdom of Jethro, to discern when something great may not necessarily be good.
Prayer: My Father, I thank you for this wisdom. I am cognizant of my human limits and lean on the counsel you have provided for me. Guard me from pride disguised as productivity. Give me discernment to know when to pause, courage to delegate, and grace to rest in you. May my work flow from dependence, and not depletion. In Jesus’ name, amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Acts 6:2–4
• Mark 6:31
• Proverbs 19:20
