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In today’s passage—Numbers 11–13—we find Moses venting his frustration to God. He’s discrouged by the constant grumbling and resistance of the people he’s been called to lead.

“Moses said to the Lord, ‘Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me?’” (Numbers 11:11)

In response, God tells Moses to gather 70 elders, promising to give them a portion of the Spirit that rested on Moses. In doing so, God lightens Moses’s load.

This is a lesson for anyone feeling the weight of responsibility, frustration, or fatigue: God doesn’t expect you to carry the burden alone. No matter who you are—the lead pastor or the ministry helper—God sees you, and He has designed you to be interdependent of those He has placed alongside of you. Ask Him to raise up someone to come alongside you. And when He does, be ready to empower them.

When God began equipping others in Moses’s story, Joshua grew concerned that two men were prophesying. But Moses responded:

“Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, that the Lord would put His Spirit on them!” (Numbers 11:29)

Moses didn’t cling to control or the need for the spotlight. He welcomed help. He valued shared calling over personal recognition. It’s a model for us all—whether we lead from the front or help from behind the scenes.

This story reminded me of another moment in Mark 9, when John told Jesus that someone outside their group was casting out demons in Jesus’s name. Jesus replied:

“Do not stop him… For the one who is not against us is for us.” (Mark 9:39–40)

Wherever God is at work—celebrate it. Encourage it. Support it. Empower others, don’t hinder them.

And yes, discernment is still essential. There will be moments when people rise up with the wrong heart or cause conflict. But rather than over-reacting with control or retaliation, trust God and give a little space—like Moses did when Aaron and Miriam criticized him. Moses waited on the Lord and God handled the correction:

“When the cloud was removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous.” (Numbers 12:10)

Moses didn’t have to fight to defend his position. He allowed space for God to work in their hearts. And God protected Moses’s position.

In chapter 13, we see another powerful truth: sometimes people simply aren’t ready to move forward. The people rejected the good report of the land because fear clouded their faith. God again controlled the outcome. While Moses himself didn’t enter the Promised Land, he remained faithful and patient in his role until the end.

Takeaway: Whether you’re leading, supporting, or simply walking through a difficult season, trust God with both the burdens and the blessings. Ask Him to raise up others to walk beside you. Empower those He sends. Don’t cling to control, and don’t panic when opposition arises. God is more committed to the growth and health of His people than we are—and He is faithful to lead, correct, and accomplish His purposes in His way and in His time.