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Exodus 18:1-12 Devo

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Exodus 18:1-12 Devo BIBLE TEXT | EXODUS 18:1-12 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ 1 Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. 2 Now Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, had taken Zipporah, Moses' wife, after he had sent her home, 3 along with her two sons. The name of the one was Gershom (for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land”), 4 and the name of the other, Eliezer (for he said, “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh”). 5 Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was encamped at the mountain of God. 6 And when he sent word to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her,” 7 Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. And they asked each other of their welfare and went into the tent. 8 Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardship that had come upon them in the way, and how the Lord had delivered them. 9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the Lord had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians. 10 Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh and has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.” 12 And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and sacrifices to God; and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law before God. DEVOTIONAL FOR EXODUS 18:1-12 _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ AUTHOR: JAMI WILLIAMS Have you found yourself in a moment where you step back and think, “There is no other way I could humanly explain this, other than the hand of a Mighty God at work.” Maybe you were in the right place at the right time to encourage a loved one in need or perhaps it was a stranger. Maybe you had a situation on your hands that seemed impossible but just the right solution came through against all odds. It is not by chance we find ourselves within a specific sphere of influence that shapes the way we perceive our lives. Our experiences and what we share with those around us is purposeful and powerful (Proverbs 18:21). In our study today we see remarkable impact in the life of Jethro as Moses shares his experience with the trials and triumphs he faced in the deliverance of the Israelites from a life of tremendous oppression under the Egyptians. Jethro has such a moment of impact, he declares the Lord is greater than all other gods and physically honors God with offerings and sacrifices (Exodus 18:11-12). Moses, Jethro, Aaron and the elders of Israel gather to celebrate and commemorate all that God has done in their lives, which is critical for the future and for generations to come. I sometimes find myself in a moment where the pressure is on and time seems to be running short. A solution seems impossible to the human heart but then, there is God. My God is not restricted by time, resources or a finite amount of love for my soul (2 Peter 3:8; Colossians 1:17; Isaiah 55:8-9; Ephesians 3:17-21). I stop and remember what the Lord has done for me, for my family, and for those I have encountered in my sphere of influence who were courageous in sharing. It is so easy to forget and become fearful or worried over a situation that feels bigger than what I believe I can handle. Someone wise once told me to “write it all down”. Write down everything you see the Lord doing and working for good in your life. Record the victories and the UNFAILING faithfulness and love the Lord displays in your life. One day, you will find yourself facing a giant that is complex and, in all human understanding, is sure to defeat you. You will be tempted to give into fear and failure. Pull out your list, Sister! Pull out your list, Brother! Take note of what the Lord has done for you (Psalm 77:11; Psalm 16:8). Hold on to the stories entrusted to you by those placed in your sphere of influence. Take note of the unchanging character of a Mighty God who drove apart the sea with his very breath to make a way for you and for me (Malachi 3:6; Exodus 14:21). See the God who sent tangible helpers to physically hold up the hands of a man feeling exhausted and defeated in his calling so he could fulfill the purpose God had placed on his life, impacting generations as numerous as the stars (Exodus 17:10-13; Genesis 26:4). As you walk, FORGET NOT the one true Mighty God, the great I AM, who first loved you (1 John 4:19). And keep not, my friend, keep not this good news hidden. For you know not how your life will change those around you forever because of what God has done for you. “One generation shall commend your works to another, And shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, And on your wondrous works I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, And I will declare your greatness. They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness And shall sing aloud of your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:4-7) Questions: 1. Have you taken the time to write out the ways the Lord has worked in your life and delivered you? If not, will you commit with pen and paper to do so? 2. Have you thanked the Lord today for His faithfulness and provision in your life? Do you make this a genuine habit to keep your heart fresh in gratitude? 3. How are you fostering growth and development within your sphere of influence with your story of what God has done in your life? When was the last time you courageously shared as God led you? Is there someone in your path right now, or that you can be looking for, to encourage and share your story with? Do you need encouragement or guidance in how you should share? Ask someone in your journey group or other biblical community to pray with you and help you grow in this area..
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