Devotional for May 19, 2011
In Exodus 17, the Israelites are fighting the Amalekites. When Moses, standing on the hill and overlooking the battle, has his hands lifted to God the Israelites are winning. When he lowers his arms, they start to lose. He must NOT drop his arms, but how can he last all the way through the battle? Aaron and Hur are God’s provision and the answer. A brother and a friend stand by his sides, each one supporting one of Moses arms. Moses’ hands remain steady until sunset. Joshua (the leader of this battle) overcomes the Amalekites with the sword.
As God was leading Israel through the desert the Amalekites came to attack Israel. The men needed a leader: God provided Joshua. Joshua needed divine intervention in the battle: God provided Moses. Moses needed to fulfill his call to watch over the battle (intercede) but was losing strength: God provided Aaron and Hur. From our point of view, it is so much easier to see that God was IN everything.
Moses, a superhero of God’s Word, needed help. Not only did he need help, but he accepted help from imperfect people. He didn’t reject his brother or throw Aaron’s past sins up in his face saying, “You can’t be trusted to hold strong, you waiver under pressure.” Nor did Moses express any preferences; such as, “No thanks, Hur. Where’s my buddy Benjamin?”
What I really appreciate about this piece of history is that it is a reminder that no man (or woman) stands alone. When I am too tired to carry on, too worn out to finish, too weak to succeed, I feel like there’s no one available to help me. Everyone else has their own burdens or their own pressing needs. As soon as I get past myself, my own hesitation, and admit that I could use some help: God’s provision is there.
I have heard women, who struggle with receiving, quote, “It is more blessed to give than receive.” But we are not simple stick people. There is so much complexity to who we are that we cannot take one verse and live by it alone. Mother Theresa, who during her lifetime gave more than most, accepted help from others.
Sometimes I kid myself, and say, “I’ll just wait for God to provide.” Or “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Of course, sometimes those are the right answers in a situation. But often God is using my weakening arms in the battle, to get me past my own pride and to get others involved. Just like in the battle with the Amalekites where God was in every step - He is in every step of our lives.
Proverbs 16:9 (NASB)
The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.
But the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 19:20-22 (NIV)
Listen to advice and accept discipline,
and at the end you will be counted among the wise.
Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails.
What a person desires is unfailing love;
better to be poor than a liar.
It was part of God’s plan for Moses to accept help from others- it’s still a part of His plan for us. We just need to practice.
Proverbs 3:5-7 (AMP)
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord
with all your heart and mind
and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him,
In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him,
and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord
Be not wise in your own eyes; reverently fear and worship the Lord
and turn [entirely] away from evil.
Learning to Ask and Accept by Mary M. Wilkins
Music for the Moment
I Won’t Let Go performed by country music group Rascal Flatts. Press Control key and left click on the link below to hear:
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