Have you ever ended the day feeling exhausted, not because one thing went wrong, but because everyone and everything needed you?
A Listening Heart
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Everyone needed an answer, a decision, your time, or your emotional energy.
And somewhere between being a wife, a mother, a leader, a helper, a believer, you thought,
“If I don’t do it, who will?”
As a result, you started carrying more than you were meant to, even to the verge of burnout. If that sounds familiar, you’re not weak, you’re human.
And you’re not alone. Even Moses in the Bible struggled with this.
When You’re Doing Too Much: God’s Answer to Burnout
In Exodus 18, Moses was leading God’s people every day. From morning until evening, people line up with their problems, conflicts, and questions.
And Moses, being a great leader, listened to everyone. He tried to fix everything, and he did it alone. (Exodus 18: 13-14)
Moses was very faithful, but he was also overwhelmed until his father-in-law, Jethro, stepped in.
Jethro watched Moses and the people for a while, and then he said to Moses, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people will wear yourselves out.”
Notice that Jethro didn’t say Moses was sinful or lazy. He said what Moses was doing was not good! (Exodus 18:17)
Did you ask why?
You see, God never designed Moses, or you, or me to carry everything by ourselves.
The Cost of Doing Too Much and Burnout
Moses story reminds me of so many women I’ve spoken with who struggle with burnout. There have been seasons in my life when I’ve felt overwhelmed and exhausted from doing too much.
A clear picture that comes to mind is a mom I saw at the store holding grocery bags in both hands. Then she tried to grab her pocketbook and laptop. On top of that, her child was tugging on her arm. When someone offered to help, she said, I’ve got it.
As I looked at her, I thought something was either going to drop or she was going to fall. Sometimes overwhelm isn’t about weakness. It’s about carrying things God never assigned to us.
It’s about refusing the help that God already sent to you.
So, what can you and I do differently to prevent burnout and overwhelm?
Burnout: 3 Practical Lessons From Exodus 18
There are three practical lessons we can learn from Moses:
First, Moses was called, but he wasn’t called to do everything. When we try to do everything, it doesn’t mean we’re doing it God’s way.
So, ask yourself: Did God ask me to do this thing, or did I assume it was mine?
Second, wise counsel is a gift, not a criticism. Jethro wasn’t tearing Moses down.
He was protecting his strength by helping Moses to see that he was doing way too much. He also helped Moses gain clarity about his priorities (Exodus 18:19-22)
Who has God placed in your life to lovingly say, “This is too much for you.”
Third, delegation is not a failure. It’s stewardship. Moses learned to share leadership and release what others could do so he could focus on what only he could do. (Exodus 18:24-26)
One Practical Step
What’s one practical step that you and I can take today? Perhaps it is to
Identify one thing you can release.
One boundary you can gently set.
One task you don’t have to carry alone.
So if you’re overwhelmed today, I want you to hear this: God sees you and cares about your strength.
And He will never ask you to burn out to prove your faithfulness.
You’re allowed to pause, take a break. You’re allowed to adjust.
You’re allowed to choose a better way.
Friend, the truth is, you don’t lose value when you rest. You protect it.
PRAYER For A Better Way
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, you know the weight we’re carrying, both seen and unseen. Show us what is ours to carry and what is not. Give each one of us wisdom to release what drains us and the courage to trust you with what we lay down. Restore our strength today and teach us your better way. Thank you for your unconditional love. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
Which area of your life feels the heaviest right now, and what might God be inviting you to release?
Share in the comments. You don’t have to carry this alone. You are beloved!
And if this post encouraged you, share it with a woman who’s been doing too much for too long!
If this message spoke to your heart and you’re longing for a safe place to slow down, reflect, and grow with other women who understand, I’d love to invite you into the Hidden Treasures Community.
It’s a faith-filled space for women who are tired of carrying everything alone and are ready to discover God’s better way, together.
We’d love to welcome you.”
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