We have all personally experienced troubled times, and when those around us are going through trials, it is so easy to think, “I’m glad it’s him and not me! I don’t know what I’d do in that circumstance!” But is this the right attitude to have?
The 17th chapter of Exodus records the story of the Amalekites attacking Israel (vs 8). Moses instructs Joshua to assemble an army (Vs 9a), and he promises to oversee the battle: “Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” (Exod 17:9b, NKJV).
The Bible then records how Moses went up on the mountain top with Aaron and Hur, and that Moses’ presence on top of the mountain actually influenced the battle: “And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.” (Exod 17:11 NKJV)
Friends, this passage speaks strongly about our responsibility to our brothers and sisters in Christ: when we stand up for them, they prevail; but when we turn away, the enemy prevails.
Fortunately for those who live in the plains of the world, supporting our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ doesn’t mean we have to climb literal mountains; and fortunately for those of us who have suffered shoulder injuries, this doesn’t mean we have to literally hold our hands up in the air. What it means is that we must be there for each other. Just like Moses’ upraised arms figuratively held Israel before God, we must hold one another up to God in intercessory prayer. Our prayers make a difference in the lives of those around us.
My husband and I have recently started up a new practice. Every evening we go for a walk and together, we hold up our brothers and sisters in Christ. The results have been amazing. We have seen distinct spiritual shifts in the lives of those for whom we plead with God for Salvation. We have seen people healed and delivered. One day we even prayed that we would be able to contact my husband’s estranged brother. After 5 years of not even knowing where he was, he called their mutual cousin to find out how to contact–us!
Friends, this simple exercise is figuratively putting us up on a mountain top where we can hold up our arms for our brothers and sisters in the world. The problem is, holding up one another is a huge responsibility. Life happens, priorities shift, and if we don’t see the result of our prayers over time, we become tired. Moses would understand. An entire day is a very long time to keep your arms in the air, and the Bible tells us his hands became heavy (Vs. 12a).
Fortunately, Moses wasn’t standing alone. Aaron and Hur: “…supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” (Exod 17:12b)
There have been days when my husband has had responsibilities in the evening and it has been impossible for us to pray together, and there are times when I become distracted by the busyness of life. But we are there for one another to “support” each others’ hands! We can stand up on behalf of one another!
I am very fortunate to have a believing, praying husband. The beauty of it, however, is that we don’t have to physically be with someone to hold up their arms. We are called to encourage one another: “Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice…encourage one another…” (2Cor 13:11, NIV2) and I encourage each one of you to become like Moses, Aaron and Hur that day on the mountaintop as Joshua and Israel prevailed against the Amalekites. Step out in intercessory prayer for the lost, the hurting and the weak. Be on the looking for your fellow intercessors, and when they become tired and weak, be willing to step in, to provide them with the comfort and strength they need that they may continue to prevail.
In His love,
Lyn
Lyn Chaffart, Speech-Language Pathologist, mother of two, Author — “Aboard God’s Train — A Journey With God Through the Valley of Cancer”, Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, with Answers2Prayer Ministries. Follow Lyn on Twitter @lynchaffart.