READING: Exodus 16-18
One of the reasons we often lose spiritual battles is that we fight them alone. Maybe that’s because we’re generally loners, or perhaps we’re ashamed to talk about some of these battles. Some of us prefer to fight first and ask help only when we need it — and that delay leads to trouble.
Today’s reading doesn’t speak specifically about spiritual warfare, but it does remind us of our need for others. In both cases, Moses is central. In episode #1, his holding up his hands while Joshua was in battle with the Amalekites led to the Israelites winning; when his hands grew tired, “Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down” (Exo. 17:12). With their combined efforts, Joshua’s army prevailed.
In episode #2, Jethro convinced his son-in-law Moses that he needed help in dealing with the people’s judgments: “What you’re doing is not good,” Moses’ father-in-law said to him. “You will certainly wear out both yourself and these people who are with you, because the task is too heavy for you. You can’t do it alone” (Exo. 18:17-18). By enlisting other capable men to help him with the daily work, Moses accomplished the tasks without wearing himself out.
The lesson is the same for us, whether we’re leading God’s people or facing God’s enemies. He has created us to need others, and He provides others through His church. We are foolish to try to win the battles on our own.
ACTION STEPS: Consider these steps today:
- Thank God for those folks who have helped you through the years.
- Choose one task you need to complete, and intentionally enlist someone else to help you. Trust God to provide the assistance you need. Be open to helping someone in turn.
- Find a prayer partner to help lift your arms when you face temptation.
PRAYER: “Lord, You are good to provide others for me. Remind me today that I cannot defeat the enemy on my own.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Exodus 19-21