Monday, April 25, 2011

Helping Hands



He did it again. Provided just the words of encouragement I needed to pick up and move ahead. My husband's good at that. He helps me see things from a different perspective. He provides the sounding board I so desperately need when I'm considering my options. He talks me through discouragement, pointing out the endless possibilities. He cheers me on when I feel like quitting. And guides me to the One who filled me with a purpose in the first place - my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.


I was never promised life without difficulties. Even when I'm convinced that I'm pursuing the purposes God has called me to, challenges pop up along the path. Yet with each challenge, God provides me with someone to come alongside and help put things in perspective. Precious believers, living out the words of the Apostle Paul, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ," (Galatians 6:2; KJV).


I'm reminded of the mighty man of God, Moses. He had no small task leading the children of Israel out of Egypt to the promised land. Imagine being responsible for the well-being of millions of people! Along their journey, the Amalekites had come out to fight with Israel in Rephidim. Moses' directions to his military leader, Joshua, were clear, "Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand," (Exodus 17:9).


The next day dawned with Joshua leading the army out to battle and Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbing to the top of the hill - a great vantage point from which to view the fight. Moses quickly noticed an amazing phenomenon, when he held up his hands, Israel overcame the enemy, but when he put his hands down, the Amalekites began beating the Israelites. A bit uncanny, but true!


Moses soon realized he wouldn't be able to hold his arms up throughout the battle without help. Aaron and Hur to the rescue! They found a stone for Moses to sit on, and with Aaron on one side and Hur on the other, they held up Moses hands for him. What were the results? "...and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword," (Exodus 17:12b-13). Wow! Look at what was accomplished when these friends came alongside Moses and offered their help! A great victory!


King Solomon outlined several blessings of godly companionship. "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will life up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken," (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
When I'm rooted in Christ and I come alongside a fellow believer, there's no limit to what God can accomplish!


Is there someone the Lord is directing you to help and support? Arm yourself with the Word of God and prayer and be prepared to see God work!



Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for believers You've put in my life who provide encouragement and support. Help me to be quick to come alongside others who are in need of help. Allow me to point them to You and be careful to praise You for the outcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.

14 comments:

  1. I like that Bible story! Happy anniversary, by the way! I know it's right around this date.

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  2. I know Proverbs 31 writes about the godly woman..., but what about a godly man in your life=! Awesome post Maria, thanks for sharing your thoughts and reminding us that we are in this together!

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  3. I have always loved that picture of Moses. . . and grateful for your, Maria, that your husband is just that kind of "arm holder-upper."

    Fondly,
    Glenda

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  4. Amen! Support is a wonderful blessing. :)
    Have a great week,
    Karen

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  5. Stef - Thanks for stopping by! You've got a good memory, too! We celebrate 21 years on Thursday - where has the time gone?! Have a wonderful week, and God bless! :)

    Marja - Good to see you! You're right about godly men - what a blessing! It's wonderful to have a husband who 'holds my hands up' during difficult times and cheers me on when I'm ready to call it quits. Thankful for the body of Christ, that's called to the same role. Praying that I'll be aware of opportunities to be the encourager in others' lives as well! Have a great week. Hugs and blessings!

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  6. Glenda - Great to see you! I love visualizing the stories in God's Word! They were real people just like you and me with shortcomings and needs. They had the same all-powerful, God that we do - and that makes all the difference! Have a wonderful week. God bless!

    Karen - Thanks for stopping by! I'm echoing your statement! Praying for a productive week for you. Hugs and God bless! :)

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  7. Happy Anniversary on Thursday. Many, many, many, more.

    I'm praying that God make me aware of opportunities to encourage. My hubby is like your hubby, Maria. He continually holds me up when I'm down. Don't know what I'd ever do without him. Thanking God for bringing him into my life.

    Blessings to you, my friend. (((HUGS)))

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  8. Robyn - Thanks for the Anniversary wishes! Praise the Lord for husbands who are our biggest encouragers! Have a beautiful week, Robyn, and God bless you mightily! :)

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  9. What a godly and encouraging hubby! Have always loved the story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur. Great post! Happy anniversary!

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  10. PS Wish you had an email subscription! :(

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  11. Hi Maria -

    Through the difficult years, many in the Body of Christ have encouraged me. We're all called to "hold up the hands that hang down," as the song says.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  12. Know that you are greatly blessed dear sister. Those of us "unequally" yoked have a much more difficult journey. In fact, there's little encouragement and more opposition. However, I am given a greater glimpse of God's strength, power, provision, and grace through it all. I'm not sure I'd trade that. I love how God has different path for all of us . . . so that we might learn from one another and encourage one another through this journey of faith.
    Big hugs and many blessings!
    Cherie

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  13. God built us for relationship with one another and it is such a gift to be lifted up and to uplift others. May I always be mindful of this and less distracted with my "problems." Great post!

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  14. I love how God does this! He is so sweet and kind.

    Blessings,
    Jen

    P.S. Please join me in prayer for a family in our town, the Fessants, who lost their young wife and mommy to cancer. Kids are ages 10 and 7. Thanks.

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