“Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses in the wilderness where he was camped, at the mountain of God. And he sent word to Moses: “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons with her.” Then Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, and he bowed down and kissed him; and they asked each other about their welfare, and went into the tent.” Exodus 18:5-7
Who are some people who have poured into you? How have they impacted your life? Mentorship is unique because it doesn’t happen on display; it is a slow process that requires time, trust, and cooperation. These components of slowing down and opening up do not come naturally to us. In the rhythms of daily life, it is hard to slow down and process. It can be painful to open up about the things we are struggling with. It is even challenging to receive the wisdom of someone else because we are so stuck in our own ways.
As the leader of Israel, Moses still made time to slow down and receive wisdom from his father-in-law, Jethro, who spoke as a mentor in Moses’s life. He shared what was happening and gave space to listen to the wisdom of his father-in-law instead of insisting on his way. When we don’t create space to open up and let someone speak into our lives, we miss out. We miss out on the healing that comes when we talk about what we are going through and the blessing of not facing life’s challenges alone. The insight of trusted godly mentors often shows us God’s wisdom for our lives. This practice that can feel out of rhythm, and maybe even inefficient, is worth it in the end. These relationships remind us we are not meant to walk through life alone.
- When have you had a mentor? What did that person teach you? What are some areas you still want to grow by learning from someone?
- Why is it important to have mentors in the faith? Who are some others you can pass your faith on to?
- Thank God for the people who have poured into you and ask God to show you how you can pour into the next generation.
