Don't be Debbie Downer

As I was reading my Bible the other day, I read Exodus 17:8-13. In these verses, the Israelites are in a battle against the Amalekites. Moses told Joshua to choose some men to fight, and Moses went to the top of the hill and held his arms up to the Lord. As long as Moses held his hands up, the Israelites were winning. But, whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. Thankfully, Moses did not go to the top of the hill alone. Hur and Aaron went with him. When Moses began to tire, they got a stone for Moses to sit on, and they held his hands up. One stood on one side of Moses; the other stood on the other side. They held up his hands until sunset, and the Israelites won the battle. This scripture really grabbed my attention. What would have happened if Hur and Aaron had not gone with Moses? Or what if they grumbled and complained because Moses’ arms were tired? How often have we seen someone facing battles and instead of holding up their arms, we think that they should be able to overcome their own battles? It is so important that we lift each other up. Moses continued to do his part by keeping his arms raised. And, we still have to do our own part of fighting. But, when we see someone struggling, let’s reach out instead of assuming that they want to fight alone. There is power in just a few words of encouragement. Have a happy weekend!