Working Alone

Working Alone

"So when Moses' father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, "What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit, and all the people stand before you from morning and evening? Exodus 18:14

I had to chuckle this morning during my quiet time as I read these words from the pen of Henry Blackaby. It may not make any sense to you or even apply to your life -- but it was like God took a big old spot light and shone it on me.

This has been a great summer of ministry at America's KESWICK, but it has also been a very intense summer of with challenges and crisis. This message today is so timely for me:

In our zeal to please God and advance His kingdom, we Christians often take on responsibilities that God never intended us to have. One of the great challenges of the Christian life is determining what God does NOT want us to do! Our intentions are admirable: We love God, we love His people, and we see many needs around us. But sometimes are good intentions cause us more harm than good.

Moses was aware of the need for someone to settle disputes among the Israelites. Someone had to help those former slaves learn how to live together as the people of God, so Moses took it upon himself to meet this need.

Long lines of unhappy people, hoping to have their cases heard, stood before Moses each day. Moses spent day after day carrying the weight of his nation's problems on his shoulders. Finally his father-in-law, and outsider, witnessed his actions.

Moses was taking on more than he could handle. He was wearing himself out trying to do what was impossible for one person. In doing this service alone, Moses was robbing others of an opportunity to serve the Lord. He was also a disservice to his people, who otherwise could have had their issues resolved much sooner.

When you become aware of a need, do not automatically assume God wants you to meet it. The only reason to perform ministry is that God clearly tells you it is HIS will. If you are feeling overwhelmed by all that you are doing, you probably are doing more than God has asked. Pray carefully about the assignments you take on, so that you don't rob yourself and others of God's best. -- Henry Blackaby -- Experiencing God -- The Devotional

Wow! Thank You, Lord, for this timely word! If it was timely for you, I'd love to hear about it. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

Digging Deeper: Proverbs 4; Psalm 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40

Dig This Quote: With regard to patience the Lord says, 'You will gain possession of your souls through your patient endurance' (Luke 21:19). He did not say 'through your fasting' or 'through your vigils'. I refer to the patience bestowed by God, which is the queen of virtues, the foundation of courageous actions. It is patience that is peace amid strife, serenity amid distress, and a steadfast base for those who acquire it. Once you have attained it with the help of Christ Jesus, no swords and spears, no attacking armies, not even the ranks of demons, the dark phalanx of hostile powers, will be able to do you any harm. Gregory of Sinai

Determined Digging: Level 1 -- Jeremiah 33:3; Level 2 -- Psalm 128:1-5

Determined Praying: To be in a praying position and to boldly pray, we must know who we are in Christ or else we will pray like a pauper and not a soldier. We stand in the victory already won by Christ at the cross. We pray from a position of victory. -- Pastor Michael Catt