Moses’ hands were heavy…
Exodus 17:8-13
(I posted this message previously, but as I’m reading through Exodus again, I needed this reminder, and prayerfully it will encourage you too.)
After the people of Israel were set free from slavery in Egypt, Moses was leading them through the wilderness. As they were being attacked by their enemies, the Amalekites, Moses came up with a battle plan: Moses told Joshua to choose men to go out and fight. Moses would station himself at the top of a hill with the staff of God in his hand. Moses, Aaron, and Hur all went up to the top of the hill as the battle was going on down below. When Moses held up his hand, the Israelites prevailed, but when he lowered his hands, Amalek prevailed. What happens next fascinates me, and I love the picture that it gives for our lives today.
But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side and one on the other—so that his hands were steady until the sun set. So, Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.
This is the picture that comes to my mind when God brings someone to my attention who is just worn out from battling the enemy. I have been in that place myself where I was just too emotionally, physically, and spiritually tired to fight anymore, even to lift my own hands in prayer. Can you identify with that? God has given us a wonderful example to follow. Sometimes we need to be the one to come alongside a brother or sister who is weak and tired and “support their hands.” We need to prayerfully ask God what we can do to help that person. What practical ways can we get involved?
Perhaps more difficult than supporting someone else’s weak hands is admitting our own need to be supported. Many of us like to be the ones to offer aid to others but find it very difficult to receive help ourselves. During the times when the battle is the fiercest, we really can’t fight by ourselves. We need to be willing to admit when we are worn out and need help. God never meant for us to fight the battles alone. He intends for us to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) and to strengthen the hands that are weak (Hebrews 12:12).
Notice that Aaron and Hur placed Moses on a stone. Psalm 18:2 tells us The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. When I am called by God to help strengthen one who is weak, I need to make sure I am leading them to Him, the Rock, not giving them my own advice about the solution to their problem.
The Lord is the firm foundation, the refuge, the deliverer (Psalm 18:2). God Himself and His Word need to be at the center of our encouragement to others. We need to pray for God’s wisdom as we come alongside to help.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
Has God brought someone into your life who needs encouragement?
At times we can be overwhelmed by the needs of someone else. Remember that God is their rock, their refuge, and strength. Depend on Him to give you the wisdom that is needed to help support them.
Or maybe you are personally feeling weak. Do you have someone you can reach out to and ask them to support you in prayer? We can always ask God to send just the right person to “hold up our hands” when we are in a battle.
YES, a message worth repeating. I was overwhelmed today by all the junk mail doing surveys and wanting contributions and it won’t get better before the year’s end. Throwing away mail without opening it is hard for me but I have to learn to do it to save my sanity. Thankful I could call my medical insurance man who encouraged me and assured me I already have the best health insurance available (he represents many companies). The marketing phone calls and having to block marketing callers are also nerve-wracking. Thankful to my daughter (although she is swamped) for calming me down and assuring me it is okay to refuse all these people who try to take advantage of me. Whew!