Good morning! As I write to you today I am in South Carolina. Today I spoke at a church that is going to partner with my church for the next several years. This partnership will allow our church to accomplish projects and ministries that we would not be able to achieve on our own.
It is this idea of partnership that I want to focus on today. Too many of us live our lives in nearly complete isolation. We have adopted a lone ranger mentality to life, never utilizing the gifts, talents and abilities of those that God has placed around us. God never intended for people to live the life of a hermit. Instead he intended for us to live in community.
Take a look at the following passage from the book of Exodus:
Exodus 17:8-13 (NLT)
While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek came to fight against them. [9] Moses commanded Joshua, "Call the Israelites to arms, and fight the army of Amalek. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand."
[10] So Joshua did what Moses had commanded. He led his men out to fight the army of Amalek. Meanwhile Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of a nearby hill. [11] As long as Moses held up the staff with his hands, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites gained the upper hand. [12] Moses' arms finally became too tired to hold up the staff any longer. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side, holding up his hands until sunset. [13] As a result, Joshua and his troops were able to crush the army of Amalek.
The fate of the Israelites army was dependent upon Moses’ ability to keep the staff held high. Imagine the weight of responsibility that was upon his shoulders. Imagine the overwhelming burden as his arms began to tire. He watched his army lose the upper hand and yet try as he might he struggled to keep his arms raised.
God knew that Moses would be weary and he had already prepared a way. Aaron and Hur had accompanied Moses to the mountain top. They were aware of Moses’ condition and took steps to support his effort. Not only did they find a seat for Moses but then they came along side of him, each holding a hand and keeping it raised. In spite of Moses’ best intentions he could not go it alone. He needed the support of those God had placed around him.
What are the challenges that you are facing today? Have you shared those challenges with others that God has placed into your life? Most of us tend to play our cards close to our chest. Our pride keeps us from reaching out to others for strength and encouragement. Today remember that God has placed others around you as a resource to get you through these challenges. Lean on them, utilize their wisdom and strength.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT)
A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.
Until next Monday, may God’s richest blessings be yours this week.
Carl
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