The word continues to appear right there before my eyes on the printed pages of His Word. Perhaps this is the reason I felt compelled to start using a new Bible.
Prayer – It can truly be a most difficult and tiring task, especially when the answers are long in coming.
One Old Testament patriarch who knew this to be true was Moses.
When the people were in the midst of a battle against their enemy, Amalek, Moses was compelled to form a unique strategy.
He instructed Joshua to choose men to go out to fight and he stationed himself on the top of a hill with the staff of God in his hand. Scripture then tells us this:
“So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.” (Exodus 17:11, NASB)
How interesting is that! Joshua and the men went into the battle, Moses stayed on the hill and prayed. Only as they all did their part did the nation prevail, and win the battle.
“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” (Oswald Chambers)
This work of prayer became tiring for Moses and soon others joined him:
“But Moses’ hands were heavy. They they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.” (verse 12, NASB)
In thinking about the example we find in Aaron and Hur, two thoughts come to mind:
- Community. We need one another. We need people who will come alongside of us, and we alongside of them. We all need the help and encouragement now and then. “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, NASB).
- Commitment. May we not give up but persevere, running our race faithfully, persistently, seeing it through to the end. “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary” (Galatians 6:9, NASB).
“True intercession is a demanding activity. To focus our attention of God and “pray without ceasing” can weary us as much as strenuous work … To put our full heart into intercessory prayer will cost us, but it will also bless us.” (Wiersbe Study Bible, page 113)
May we be a praying people,
coming alongside one another,
and receive the blessing prayer brings to us.
Today I am joining … Heart Encouragement .
Some things, I’ve prayed many years before seeing the answer. But all the while, it is worth it and Trusting. My one work for 2021 is Trust. Hope you’re having a happy week.
Sorry, you probably knew what I mean. Seen it as soon as I hit send. *Word not work
Joanne, like you, I’ve been seeing my word (strength) pop up frequently in the Bible I’m reading through for the first time. I love how you point out that prevailing often takes place in community. We’re stronger together, aren’t we? Hugs, friend.
Lois, it is amazing how a single word can so impact our reading. We indeed are stronger in community and I am most grateful even for the community I have found through blogging.