When We Weren't Meant to Do It All
As I was reading Exodus 18, I was struck by the wisdom God provided through Jethro, Moses' father-in-law. Moses was spending his days listening to people's disputes and trying to handle every problem himself. From morning until evening, the responsibility rested on his shoulders.
Jethro noticed that this approach wasn't sustainable. He told Moses, "What you are doing is not good" (Exodus 18:17). Moses was wearing himself out, and the people were left waiting. Jethro's solution was simple but powerful: share the load. He advised Moses to appoint trustworthy leaders to handle smaller matters while bringing only the most difficult cases to him.
This passage is a reminder that God never intended for us to carry every responsibility alone. Whether we're raising children, caring for a home, serving in church, going to school, or pursuing a career, sometimes we need help. Asking for support isn't a sign of weakness. It's an acknowledgment of our human limits.
There is wisdom in delegation, humility in accepting help, and peace in recognizing that we don't have to do everything ourselves. Just as Moses learned to share the burden, we can trust God to provide people who will walk alongside us and help carry the load.
Reflection: Is there a responsibility you're trying to carry alone that God may be calling you to share with someone else? Sometimes the strongest thing we can do is admit we need help.
i thought of that passage about how 2 are better than 1 and a threefold cord is not quickly broken
That's a beautiful connection. The passage you're thinking of is Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, which fits wonderfully alongside Jethro's advice to Moses.
You could weave the two passages together like this:
We Need Each Other
When I read about Jethro advising Moses in Exodus 18, I couldn't help but think of another passage in Scripture: "Two are better than one... Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (Ecclesiastes 4:9,12).
Moses was trying to carry the weight of an entire nation by himself. Day after day, he listened to disputes and made decisions until his father-in-law, Jethro, pointed out the obvious: no one is meant to carry every burden alone. Jethro encouraged Moses to appoint capable leaders and share the work.
So often, we fall into the same trap. We convince ourselves that asking for help means we're failing, when in reality it may be the wisest thing we can do. God created us for community, not isolation. Just as Moses needed others to help lead the people, we need family, friends, church members, and mentors to support us through life's challenges.
The image of a threefold cord reminds us that we are strongest when we are connected, not only to one another but also to God. When we try to do everything alone, we become weary. When we allow others to walk alongside us and keep God at the center, we find strength, encouragement, and resilience.
Perhaps today is a good day to let someone help carry a burden you've been trying to manage on your own.
Reflection: What load are you carrying that was never meant to be carried alone? Who might God be placing in your life to help bear it alongside you?
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (KJV) says:
9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone?
12 And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
This passage pairs beautifully with Exodus 18, where Jethro advises Moses to share leadership responsibilities. Both passages emphasize that God designed people to work together rather than carry every burden alone. Moses needed capable leaders beside him, just as Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is strength, support, and resilience in companionship.
The phrase "a threefold cord is not quickly broken" is often understood by Christians as a picture of two people strengthened by God's presence, making the bond even stronger. It's a wonderful image for family, friendship, church community, and teamwork.