Playing the Long Game
Exodus 18:9-21
A strategy called, “playing the long game;” involves determining to
something now so that more important,
goals are achieved with greater certainty and impact. We need to talk about playing the long game when it comes to your life, and more specifically, your role in the
of God—God’s planned future for His people. Exodus 18:9-21 can help us.
Jethro was a priest of the Midianite’s and their gods who became Moses’ father-in-law. Jethro didn’t usurp Moses’ role but
his leadership by giving Moses
. Jethro played an important role in Scripture and his life came to matter in the long run because of 2 crucial things he did.
Frist, Jethro recognized where God was at work and chose to
. The first step to playing the long game in life—investing in things that will pay ultimate, lasting dividends, is being
to recognize God working and to join Him there.
abounds for the workings of God in the world.
Second, Jethro recognized a servant through whom God was working and chose to
and
that servant. He mentored Moses. Jethro saw the
of God’s kingdom and encouraged Moses to be as or more important than he was or would be. He had reasons to allow and even hope that Moses would fail, but he saw God working in and through Moses and chose to
Him.
The Bible reports that John the Baptist was the biggest
in Israel for a while. Then one day, Jesus began to reach
than John. John responded by saying, “He must become
; I must become
.”
What an expression of
and
. Though his role with Jesus was unique, he also provides an example for us.
Billy Graham’s ministry might never have happened had
a SS teacher, not chosen to be a __mentor}.
