Tucked neatly into five verses in the 17th chapter of Exodus is found a powerful portrayal of a battle-weary, yet faithful Moses. While this passage may have little screen time in God’s narrative, it packs a big message. Let’s unpack it together this week …
Can I Get You A Stone?
But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.
Exodus 17:12, NASB
Being stretched beyond our capabilities, our family needed the support and encouragement of others who could come alongside us, helping to meet tangible needs and keep our arms raised in prayer. Was it hard to admit that we needed help? You bet. In addition to the unexpected health issues I was facing, I was also suffering from pride. I didn’t want to admit that we needed help, and I certainly didn’t want our burdens to burden others.
However, all it took was a simple prayer request to those whom we knew would pray for us, and a faithful group of believers came alongside of us.
Warm meals were delivered to our home. Friends took over the responsibility of not only getting my children ready for school but also getting them there and back home again. When my kids ran out of bananas, we found bananas on the front porch that had been left by a thoughtful friend.
Sometimes we get to be Aaron’s and Hur’s. We are the ones who rally around another to encourage them through the meeting of physical needs and praying on their behalves. Other times, like Moses, we are the ones that are exhausted, overwhelmed, and weary from battle and we need help ourselves.
Maybe the battle has left you feeling that way? Maybe you are exhausted and you’re not sure that you have the energy to pick your head up off the pillow or the faith to muster up another prayer? God has never asked us to hold it all together. In fact, His grace is sufficient for us and His power is perfected in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Friend, if that is where you find yourself today, I urge you to share your struggles with a trusted friend whom you know will come beside you and faithfully lift you up in prayer.
If you’re not the one that is on the front lines of battle today, someone you know is. They need prayer, a warm meal, money to pay an electric bill, or just someone to listen. How can you encourage someone today?
Dear Lord, thank You for including this beautiful story of believers lifting one another up when the battle leaves us exhausted. Please give renewed strength to those who are doing battle today, and I pray that You would send help and encouragement their way. Lord, the battle is all around us, please open our eyes to someone who is in the thick of the battle and help us to come alongside and encourage them. Amen.
Amazed by His grace,
Traci