“Aaron and Hur held up his hands . . . and Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.” Ex. 17:12-13 (ESV)
These verses are best understood in their context: “Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. So Moses told Joshua, ‘Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.’So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. Exodus 17: 8-13 (ESV)
Moses was growing weary. Though he tried, he could not keep his hands up. Every time he lowered them, the enemy prevailed. So Aaron and Hur came alongside, and held up his hands, ensuring Israel’s victory and Amalek’s defeat.
When we walk alone, we are an easier target for the enemy. That is why we need prayer warriors who will lift us up when we are under attack from the enemy. I have the privilege of knowing several individuals I call my ‘armor bearers.’ When I pass through deep waters, I know I can contact them and ask them to lift me and my struggle before the Lord. I know they have my back and will continue to do so until the enemy is defeated.
In 2 Corinthians 1, verses 10-11, Paul reminded the brethren that though he relied on God for his deliverance, he also depended on their prayers: “He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. On Him we have set our hope that He will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.”
Do you have a backup? I’m talking about armor bearers and prayer warriors who will lift you up before the throne of God amid your personal battle? If not, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I want to be that person you can go to when times get rough. I promise I will stay beside you as long as it takes, until the enemy is defeated.
On the flip side, I would ask if you are a prayer warrior. Can your friends depend on you when the going gets rough? Is your first response to pray for them? Keep in mind that prayer is more than words – prayer unleashes the powers of heaven. Trust me, prayer does make a difference!
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for those prayer warriors you have placed in my life. I thank you that I can count on their prayers when I am under attack. I pray for those who are reading this devotional, asking that you would place your hand of protection over them and guard them against the attacks of the enemy. I pray for the turmoil that is currently rocking our country. I pray you will provide for those who have lost jobs and those whose future seems so uncertain. Raise up a new generation of prayer warriors who will make a difference because they spent time down on their knees. In your name we pray, Amen.
Thought: Do-it-yourself Christianity isn’t much encouragement to the done-in and worn-out. “Try a little harder” is little encouragement for the abused. At some point we need more than good advice; we need help. (https://maxlucado.com/listen/the-dwelling-place-of-god/)