Strength In Numbers
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. 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. As a result, Joshua and his troops were able to crush the army of Amalek. Exodus 17:11-13
How often have I tried to go solo against my enemies and ended up in defeat because I grew weary in the battle. As I followed these scriptures this morning I can see how off track we can become in our weariness. Suddenly, the half truth is acceptable because we're too tired to make a difference. I used to think that as long as I confessed my sin to the Lord that I would be ok. But, I went through a time when I didn't care for the battle any more. I was tired of trying to be an overcomer and a light to this world. It seemed as though every time that I obeyed the voice of the Holy Spirit, I was in for it later with my enemies.
-
Jesus has made it possible for us to go directly to God to receive our forgiveness, but what about those times when our sin effects others, or we don't have the strength within ourselves to overcome. There is such strength in having the support of a brother or sister in the Lord to fight with us. From others we can find support, they might have a clear vision of what's going on that we're unable to see because of being wounded, or confused. In times of doubt and dismay someone else may be able to give us that assurance of God's love and mercy that we are unable to comprehend at that time. We need to have support from one another for we are of one body and each individual makes up the body of Christ.
-
On the other hand, we cannot seek out others and depend on them to do everything for us. Moses had to hold his arms up, he didn't just sit there and let them do the work for him.
-
It's not easy to open ourselves up to one another, confessing our faults to one another but in doing so, we often find out that in the confessing we aren't the only ones who have struggles with the enemy. And if we are open the Lord can send us help and support. He won't do it though if we want to appear as a "Super Christian"!
-
It is wonderful to be able to quote the word "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Just don't be dismayed or confused when he sends a brother or sister to do it in His name! After all doesn't he use you to do the same?
Father I pray today that as I will have ears to hear what my brother or sister may have to say that will strengthen me. And also that when it is my turn to strengthen someone that I will do it with sensitivity to your heart. So that Your kingdom will come and Your will be done.
It says in James 5:16; Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.
Karen Trevino
