Recently, I have been thinking about the seventeenth chapter in Exodus where Moses told Joshua to choose men and go fight with Amalek. He said, “Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand” (Exodus 17:9).
Joshua did as Moses told him.
We read on where Moses held the Lord’s staff in his hand, and as long as he held up his hands, “Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.”
Verse twelve says, “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.”
Notice that God did not care how Moses held his hands up, He just wanted them in the air. He allowed Moses to sit on a stone; He allowed Aaron and Hur to hold up Moses’ hands. God didn’t make Moses do this alone. This allowed Joshua and the children of Israel to prevail and defeat Amalek.
Verse 13: “And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.”
Because Moses was able to keep his hands lifted, Israel won the battle that day.
Although it’s not common today for us to go into battle with swords and spears, we do fight spiritual battles, and I think this chapter is applicable to us fighting our battles.
Sometimes my battle is not dictated by whether or not I’m alone, or whether I have someone fighting with me; it’s dictated by HOW I fight. I’ve gained victories on my knees in prayer with my hands lifted toward Heaven — just me and God. Other times, I’ve gained victories because I’ve had people fighting with me on their knees in prayer. Most importantly, we should fight God’s way.
Sometimes He needs us to go through the battle alone, with only His guidance. Other times He may want us to fight with the help of others. Ultimately, the battle is His. He always goes before us.
Being an Air Force wife, I’ve been able to witness camaraderie second-hand. The connection between military members is instantaneous. As soon as they meet, they find common ground. They get along because of their common purpose and mission. It should be the same amongst God’s people. Our camaraderie and connection stem from one foundation — God. He is the common ground on which we all stand and thus connects us in a way that gives us SO MUCH strength.
I have asked trusted friends to help me fight my battle in prayer. You don’t have to travel this way alone. In fact, sometimes you need an army. It is best to have someone lifting your hands, putting that stone underneath you for support, just as Aaron and Hur did for Moses.
I have found that my most rewarding victories are the ones that I allow myself to praise and worship all the way through. When I am in the midst of my battle, I can choose to sit on the pew and allow myself to wallow in my hurt, or I can throw my hands in the air, surrender to the Almighty, and relish in His presence. Giving Him the battle is the most freeing and uplifting feeling in the world. Just as Moses’ hands needed to be lifted for Israel’s victory, I believe it strengthens us to fight with our hands lifted in praise, believing for victory.
We know the battle is not ours alone; it is the Lord’s. However, sometimes when our prayers feel like they are hitting a wall, we need reinforcements.
God will not make you fight your battle alone — unless you need to.
Don’t feel distressed during your battle. If you feel like you can’t do it alone, first, know that you’re not alone; God is with you.
Second, ask God to reveal someone to you that you can trust your affliction with, or show you those people that will help you fight in prayer and fasting, just as Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands during the battle with Amalek.
Don’t feel weak or down on yourself if you need someone to help you overcome — Moses did.
Until next time,
Hugs and blessings to you all —
Hannah