Finding Balance: The Call to Structure and Delegation

Summary

In Exodus 18, we see Moses overwhelmed by the weight of leading an entire nation, serving as judge and counselor from morning till evening. Jethro, his father-in-law and a priest, observes this and lovingly confronts Moses, pointing out that he is doing too much and that this path will only wear him out. It’s important to recognize that Moses’ intentions were good—he was used to God showing up in impossible situations, so he kept pushing, believing he could handle it all. But even the most anointed and capable among us can fall into the trap of overextending ourselves, mistaking our capacity for God’s calling.

Jethro’s wisdom is a reminder that we all need people in our lives who are not so dazzled by our blessings that they miss our burdens. Too often, we surround ourselves with cheerleaders who only affirm us, rather than coaches who lovingly challenge us and help us grow. True spiritual authority in our lives is not about influence alone, but about having people who can speak hard truths and help us realign with God’s will.

Jesus himself modeled this for us. Though he was capable of so much more, he only did what the Father called him to do. The temptation to do everything we’re capable of, rather than what we’re called to, is a subtle form of self-reliance and even idolatry. We must regularly check in with God: “Is this your will for me, or am I just doing what I can do?” If we don’t, we risk running on empty, showing up physically but being spiritually and emotionally depleted.

Jethro’s solution wasn’t to pray for more strength for Moses, but to introduce more structure—delegation, wise counsel, and boundaries. Many of us pray for strength when what we really need is order and strategy. Sometimes, the people around us won’t notice our exhaustion because they benefit from our overextension. It’s crucial to examine what’s driving our need to do too much—often, it’s rooted in deeper issues like the need for validation or fear of letting others down.

To break free, we must assess where our lives lack biblical standards and wise structure, seek godly counsel, and make guilt-free adjustments—even if it disappoints those who have benefited from our lack of boundaries. When we establish order, not only are we blessed, but those connected to us are blessed as well. God desires order in our lives so that we can receive what He has in store for us without being overwhelmed.

Key Takeaways

- Godly relationships require more than affirmation; they require accountability. Surrounding ourselves only with people who cheer us on can blind us to our blind spots. We need those who love us enough to challenge us, who are not so impressed by our blessings that they miss our burdens, and who hold spiritual authority to speak truth into our lives. [09:48]

- There is a difference between doing what we are capable of and doing what we are called to do. Jesus, though capable of so much more, only did what the Father assigned him. Pursuing every opportunity or need can lead to self-reliance and idolatry, but true fulfillment comes from discerning and obeying God’s specific call for our lives. [15:10]

- Overextension often masquerades as faithfulness, but it can actually be a sign of disorder. When we are constantly tired, running on empty, and unable to say no, it’s a warning that we are operating outside of God’s intended order. The enemy may not stop us from showing up, but he will try to get us to show up empty, robbing us of true effectiveness. [16:36]

- Sometimes, people’s constant demands on us are not a reflection of our quality, but of our accessibility and lack of boundaries. People may settle for convenience over quality, and if we’re not careful, we’ll mistake their neediness for affirmation of our worth. True freedom comes from recognizing that no one ultimately needs us—life goes on—and our value is rooted in God, not in being indispensable to others. [21:18]

- The answer to burnout is not always more strength, but more structure. Praying for strength without addressing the lack of order in our lives is futile. We must identify areas lacking biblical standards and wise structure, seek godly counsel, and make necessary changes—even if it means disappointing those who benefit from our overextension. God’s order brings blessing not just to us, but to everyone connected to us. [26:06]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:30] - Opening Prayer and Setting the Stage
[04:29] - Moses’ Overwhelming Burden
[05:25] - God’s Miracles Through Moses
[07:30] - Jethro’s Observations and Courage
[09:48] - The Need for Coaches, Not Just Cheerleaders
[12:36] - Jesus’ Example: Called vs. Capable
[15:10] - The Trap of Overextension
[16:36] - Showing Up Empty: The Enemy’s Tactic
[17:45] - High Capacity, Over Capacity
[19:52] - Quality vs. Convenience and Boundaries
[21:18] - The Illusion of Indispensability
[23:13] - Jethro’s Solution: Delegation and Structure
[26:06] - Praying for Strength vs. Needing Structure
[29:06] - The “Doing Too Much” Assessment
[32:02] - Wise Structure and Godly Counsel
[33:36] - Guilt-Free Adjustments and Freedom
[34:36] - The Blessing of Order
[37:03] - Altar Call and Prayer for Freedom
[41:03] - Declaring Order Over Our Lives

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Doing Too Much Before You Sink”

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### Bible Reading

Exodus 18:13–23 (NIV)
13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?”
15 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.”
17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Exodus 18, what was Moses’ daily routine, and how did it affect him and the people? ([04:29])
2. What did Jethro notice about Moses’ leadership, and what was his main concern? ([07:30])
3. What specific solution did Jethro offer to Moses, and what did he *not* suggest Moses do? ([24:26])
4. In the sermon, what is the difference between a “cheerleader” and a “coach” in our lives? ([09:48])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Moses, even after seeing so many miracles, still tried to handle everything himself? What does this reveal about human nature and leadership? ([06:27])
2. The sermon says that even Jesus only did what the Father called him to do, not everything he was capable of. What does this teach us about the difference between capacity and calling? ([12:36])
3. How can overextension in serving others actually become a form of self-reliance or even idolatry, according to the sermon? ([15:10])
4. Why might people around us fail to notice when we are overextended or exhausted? What does the sermon say about how others can benefit from our lack of boundaries? ([26:06])

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### Application Questions

1. Who are the “Jethros” in your life—people who love you enough to challenge you, not just cheer you on? Do you have anyone who holds spiritual authority to speak hard truths to you? If not, what’s stopping you from inviting that kind of accountability? ([09:48])
2. Are there areas in your life where you are doing things simply because you are capable, not because you are called? How can you discern the difference this week? ([12:36])
3. Think about a time when you felt worn out or “showed up empty.” What warning signs did you ignore, and what could you have done differently to prevent burnout? ([16:36])
4. The sermon says sometimes people’s constant demands are more about your accessibility than your quality. Are there relationships or commitments in your life where you need to set healthier boundaries? What’s one step you can take this week? ([21:18])
5. The answer to burnout isn’t always more strength, but more structure. What is one area of your life (work, family, ministry, health, finances) that lacks biblical standards or wise structure? What practical change can you make this month? ([26:06])
6. When you think about making “guilt-free adjustments” to your commitments, what fears or anxieties come up? How can you remind yourself that your value is rooted in God, not in being indispensable to others? ([33:36])
7. The sermon ends by declaring that when we establish order, not only are we blessed, but those connected to us are blessed too. Who in your life might benefit if you put better structure and boundaries in place? ([34:36])

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for wisdom to know where they are “doing too much,” courage to invite godly counsel, and freedom from the need to be everything to everyone. Ask God to help each person discern what He is truly calling them to do, and to bring order and blessing to every area of their lives.

Devotional

Day 1: The Danger of Doing Too Much Without Structure
Moses tried to serve everyone from morning till evening, believing he was fulfilling his calling, but in reality, he was wearing himself out and risking burnout. Even with the best intentions, taking on too much without wise structure leads to exhaustion and ineffectiveness. God does not call us to do everything ourselves; He calls us to steward our responsibilities with order and wisdom. When we lack structure, we become vulnerable, not only in our work but in every area of life—our health, relationships, and spiritual walk. God’s desire is not for us to be overwhelmed, but to walk in freedom and effectiveness through godly order. [16:36]

Exodus 18:13-18 (ESV)
The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone.”

Reflection: In what area of your life are you “doing too much” and lacking structure—where is God inviting you to step back and seek His order instead of relying on your own strength?


Day 2: The Gift of Godly Counsel and Accountability
Jethro was not just a father-in-law but a priest, someone with spiritual authority who loved Moses enough to speak truth into his life. We all need people who are not so impressed by our blessings that they ignore our burdens—people who will lovingly challenge us, hold us accountable, and help us see what we cannot see ourselves. Godly counsel is a gift that brings wisdom, correction, and freedom, but it requires humility to receive it. Don’t settle for cheerleaders who only affirm you; seek out coaches and spiritual mentors who will help you grow and stay aligned with God’s will. [09:48]

Proverbs 27:6 (ESV)
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Reflection: Who is a “Jethro” in your life—someone with spiritual authority who can speak truth to you even when it’s hard—and how can you invite their counsel this week?


Day 3: Called to God’s Assignment, Not Just Our Capabilities
Jesus, though capable of so much more, only did what the Father called Him to do. In the same way, we are not called to do everything we are capable of, but to be faithful to what God has assigned to us. The temptation to hustle, overcommit, and prove ourselves can lead to idolatry and self-reliance. True fulfillment comes from obedience, not overextension. Ask God to reveal where you are operating out of your own capacity instead of His calling, and trust Him to set the boundaries for your life and work. [15:10]

John 17:4 (ESV)
I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.

Reflection: What is one thing you are doing right now simply because you can, not because God has called you to it—and what would it look like to surrender that to Him?


Day 4: The Power of Wise Structure and Delegation
Jethro’s advice to Moses was not to pray for more strength, but to implement more structure and delegate responsibility. Sometimes we pray for strength when what we really need is wisdom, strategy, and a willingness to make changes. God’s answer to our overwhelm is often practical: setting up systems, boundaries, and sharing the load with others. Wise structure, inspired by godly counsel and biblical standards, protects us from vulnerability and positions us for sustainable impact. [24:26]

Exodus 18:21-23 (ESV)
Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.

Reflection: Where do you need to stop asking God for more strength and instead ask Him for wisdom to create structure or delegate responsibility in your life?


Day 5: Freedom from People-Pleasing and the Fear of Disappointing Others
When you begin to set order in your life, not everyone will like it—especially those who benefited from your lack of boundaries. But God’s perfect love casts out fear, including the fear of disappointing others. You are not called to be a slave to people’s preferences or to find your worth in being needed. True freedom comes from knowing you are loved by God and living to please Him above all. Make guilt-free adjustments, trusting that God’s order brings blessing not only to you but to everyone connected to you. [33:36]

1 John 4:18 (ESV)
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

Reflection: What is one boundary you need to set this week, even if it disappoints others, so that you can walk in the freedom and order God desires for you?

Quotes

If the enemy cannot stop you from showing up, his next move is to get you to show up empty. So you're here. You made it. They say, how you doing? Child, I'm here. Woo. You need anything? No, I'm just here. Woo. You need? No, I need a minute. I'm just here. [00:16:38] (00:00:32 seconds) Edit Clip

That mindset will have you operating out of ego making you think people need you like Moses they need me they come to me they come to me they come to me Let's go. They're depending on me. And God wants somebody to get free today and understand that, no, nobody really needs you. You live, I'm only 34, but I've lived long enough to realize life is always going to go on. With or without, one day we all got to go and we're going to cry, we're going to shed tears, but I promise you, life has to go on and it will. [00:22:42] (00:01:00 seconds) Edit Clip

He didn't say, Moses, come in, lift your hands. I'm going to lay hands on you. He didn't say, Moses, I'm going to lay hands on you, and I'm going to pray a special anointing. I'm going to pray that God gives you strength for this season. He didn't pray that prayer. He didn't say, God, I pray, give him strength, oh God. You know why he didn't pray that prayer? Because Moses didn't need more strength. Moses needed more structure. [00:24:39] (00:00:33 seconds) Edit Clip

Some of us been praying for strength God give me strength can I tell you one thing we're going to do we're going to pray for strength we're going to pray for our strength we're going to pray your strength and if you ask me what I need prayer for pray my strength that's one thing we're going to do and I'm just saying ain't it funny we've been praying for strength all these years strength been at the top of our prayer list and we still stressed out you know what that means it means either God ain't hearing us or we ain't hearing him because if we heard him the right way come on minister Dilma Sadi you better preach if you heard him you would hear him saying you're doing too much and in this season you don't really need more strength I've given you the strength you need you need more structure you need more wisdom you need more strategy you got to make some changes stop asking me to bless mess. [00:25:16] (00:01:27 seconds) Edit Clip

If you saying no causes them to see you different, they probably didn't see you the right way to begin with. You know the only way to please those type of people? Only way to please those type of people, you have to actually become a slave to their preferences. Somebody say, I'm free. I'm free. I declare freedom. [00:34:01] (00:00:27 seconds) Edit Clip

I'm talking about somebody that's battling with depression today and it's connected to burnout doing too much anxiety and it's hard to sleep at night and you're overwhelmed battling with people pleasing it God sent this word I don't care if it's for one person somebody today God wants to set you free from that in Jesus name. [00:37:03] (00:00:33 seconds) Edit Clip