Receiving Help

But Moses' hands were heavy. Then 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. Exodus 17:12 (New American Standard Bible)

I can often read a portion of Scripture and pull out the applications that best suit me at the time. Many have been the times I have read this account of Moses being aided by Aaron and Hur only to have my mind drawn toward the individuals God has used in my life to help at pivotal times. Individuals who came along side me with encouraging words and a willingness to hold me up spiritually and emotionally. Times when I felt weak and heavy hearted. They were godsends and ones of whom I have been grateful.

While that is all true, I have often missed a profound aspect of this biblical account of help. Later in the chapter, after Israel has the victory over Amalek, Moses does and says something that stands out to me. He built an altar and named it THE LORD IS MY BANNER. He came away from the experience not focused on the human help he had received but rather on the Lord as his helper. Did he need help from people? Yes! Did he accept the help from people? Absolutely! But when it was all said and done, the ones who helped were not the ones He centered his life around, grew dependent upon, or accredited the accomplishments to. God had sent the help (through people) but did not become replaced by those people.

I marvel at the balance. I long for it in my own life. I have people in my life who know my struggles and are willing to help me get on my “feet” again. For the past few days I have feared receiving the help because I know how easily such help can become a source to me that is addictive. Yet, this morning, Moses’ example is helping me to see that accepting help is not the problem. The problem lies in my own tendency to forget that God is my ultimate Help and Helper. Individuals are used of Him for a time. Their help is needed but it is temporary and meant only to help bring me to a place of moving forward once again.

Moses’ arms were held up when the battle raged but even then he knew God was doing the real holding and helping. May I learn to accept what is being offered to me by God and the helpers He sends. May I not see it as a permanent situation but rather as a present and temporary need.

Father, I raise my hands to You as I receive the support of the ones coming along side me at this time. I look to You as I receive their help. Amen.

You Are My All In All - Dennis Jernigan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9Up58OEtps

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.