Paying it Forward: Part Two – Our Testimony Matters

Last week, we looked at the relationship between Jethro and Moses and how a mentor’s wisdom can help us avoid burnout, as Jethro showed Moses how to delegate tasks effectively. This week, we examine how Moses helped lead Jethro to faith in God.

Moses helped lead Jethro, a Midianite priest, to faith through his testimony of the Lord’s work (18:1-12). Jethro had been caring for Moses’ wife, Zipporah, and his two sons while Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt. This oral history of the Exodus served as Moses’s powerful testimony (Ex. 18:8).

Jethro’s response was to rejoice, bless the Lord, recognize Yahweh as the God of Israel, and offer burnt offerings as a profound act of worship (Exodus 18:9-12). This event is especially significant because it demonstrates the powerful influence of personal testimony and a non-Israelite’s acknowledgment of the God of Israel.

Not only did Jethro give Moses practical advice on leadership and governance, as we saw in last week’s blog, “Paying it Forward,” but Moses’ testimony also led his father-in-law to faith. Sometimes, accepting wise counsel is difficult, but it requires humility, as demonstrated by Moses, and recognizing our weaknesses to receive a more effective solution.

Similarly, personal testimony can inspire others. This shows how sharing what God has done in our lives can be a powerful way to lead others to faith or deepen their existing relationship with God. Note that before offering practical advice, the shared testimony laid the foundation of their relationship and Jethro’s spiritual growth.

Our relationship with God has a direct impact on our spiritual growth.

This direct connection emphasizes three essential elements that are key to growth, all centered on the relationship.

1. Communication (Prayer and Scripture): A relationship requires talking and listening.
   1. Prayer is communicating with God—making requests, giving thanks, and confessing. Jesus consistently prioritized prayer, demonstrating that it is directly aligned with the Father’s will and power.
   1. Scripture involves listening to God by learning His character, will, and commands. Spiritual growth needs the ongoing nourishment and guidance found in His Word.
2. Obedience and Trust: A strong relationship builds trust and encourages action.
   1. Moses obeyed God’s commands to go to Pharaoh, even when fearful.
   1. The disciples followed Jesus’ instruction to “Go and make disciples.”
   1. Our obedience to what God reveals in His Word naturally shows our trust in His goodness and wisdom, serving as the motivating force for spiritual growth.
3. Presence and Solitude (The “Recharge”) involves setting aside focused, dedicated time for growth.
   1. Jesus often withdrew to be alone with God. This practice of solitude protects the relationship from being overwhelmed by the demands of the world (or, in a work setting, the demands of the job). This dedicated time encourages a deeper intimacy and dependence on God.

By intentionally cultivating this relationship—through communication, obedience, and dedicated time—we invite the grace and guidance necessary for genuine, lasting spiritual growth.

“Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord” (2 Timothy 1:8, ESV, Emphasis added).

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20, Emphasis added).