Exodus 18:22 ~ And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.
Moses and the children of Israel were away from the taskmasters who ruled their days and nights. Their exhaustive work in Egypt likely prevented them from having much time to argue with their neighbors. They likely did what I did when I arrived home from speaking in Florida over the weekend… I collapsed! So when 4:00 a.m. rolled around this morning God began to speak to my heart from the pillow and I knew it was going to be a great day! Over the weekend I met with women who were for the most part in a different season of life than me. Fort Myers, Florida is quite the attraction for retirees and many of the ladies who attended this event were blessed with the opportunity to be Florida “snowbirds.” While I am the Jesus Chick and only slightly younger, the difference in the season of their life and mine was huge! But back to the message…
Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, came to deliver Moses’ wife and children and upon arrival he notices that his son-in-law is worn out from judging the people who brought their issues of life before him for advice. So he advises him to let others judge the small stuff, and Moses could deliberate the weightier matters, and it was such an aha moment for Moses! “What a novel idea that I don’t have to wear myself out by allowing others to shoulder the load.”
Israel in their new season of life had time on their hands, and time is not always a friend if it’s not used wisely. The ladies who attended the weekend spiritual retreat in Fort Myers were using their time wisely, they had come to that place to drink of the refreshing water of Christ and see what message He had for them, and praise God I was given the opportunity to be the deliverer! I am one of the lesser who God allows to help His people in all seasons, but what I learned over the weekend is that I needed to get a better grasp on all the seasons because they taught me as much as I taught them.
For this season in their life they needed encouragement on what to do with their time which they now have in abundance, although as we all know it slips away ever so quickly. A woman still in the workforce needs to know how to serve God in her season, a young woman who’s raising children needs to understand how to fit God in to the few minutes she has between oatmeal, diapers and disasters, and that teen who struggles in staying pure in an un-pure world needs to take heart that she is not alone.
So what is the answer? Every season of life brings a new issue for resolving and every issue is resolved by seeking God through various methods; reading the Bible, preaching and teaching, godly counsel and spiritual encouragement from folks like me. I am one of the lesser who are sent in to shoulder the load with Pastors and help their congregations take “go to their place in peace.” (18:23)
The ladies who attended the Fort Myers Southwest Baptist Church Women’s Day Away Event,” hopefully went home with a little peace in their souls that they were on the right path in life.
I hope that’s where today finds you. Please comment below and let me know what season you’re in and what topic would be helpful for you in this season of life. Blessings!!! ~ Shari