The Word:
Read: Exodus 17:8-16
"Supporting Each Other." By Randolph Koch
If you've ever been through a tough time in your life, you've probably come to know the importance of the support you were most likely given from a friend, a family member, your pastor, or someone from your church. The support may have been given through prayers, a supportive or loving word, a meal, or many other ways. It ministers to you in ways that words cannot describe. It's humbling to receive support from others and goes a long way to help heal the wounds of the battles of life.
We can see an example of the importance of supporting each other through the example of Moses during a battle against the Amalekite's. He went to the top of a hill, which was a vantage point overlooking the battle. As he moved up the hill, Joshua and the army were sent to war against the enemy. Moses, with staff in hand, stood and raised his hands. As he raised his hands, Israel prevailed. Then there was a point where he became weary and had to rest but while his hands were lowered the Amalekite's prevailed. Moses needed support, and who wouldn't after having their arms raised for such a long time while a battle raged on. Aaron and Hur came to help him in his time of need. They placed a stone beneath Him so we could sit instead of stand. Then they supported his arms so Moses could hold his hands up. With their help, Aaron on one side and Hur on the other side, his hands remained steady until the sun went down. Israel won the battle. Moses received the support he needed to get him through. The Lord told Moses to write down the experience of the day's war, and how the Lord led them to victory in a book so it could be relayed to others. Then Moses built and altar and named it "the Lord is my banner." What a day it was and what a support plan it was that God unfolded for us to learn from. Without the Lord, Israel and Moses would not have prevailed. Furthermore, with out the two men coming to Moses' aid, he wouldn't have made it through the whole day. Likewise, we cannot make it with out the Lord. It seems that in today’s world, we tend to believe we can do it all alone because we think ourselves to be self-sufficient and honestly we're trained to think this way. Many times our schools, businesses, the movies we see, and many other avenues train us to believe this is a totally healthy and necessary trait, (at times it's true that we have to be somewhat self-sufficient), but we desperately need each other. We can go way to far, and many do, with the self-sufficiency idea. Starting from our homes on into the rest of the world we need to be counter culture, especially in this area. We need to trust the Lord and receive the comfort He and others give us. We weren't created to be in this life alone. We in fact, were created to live and work for the Lord, to have an eternal relationship with Him, and to live and fellowship amongst other believers and of course the world. The Lord is our main source of strength - so don't be afraid to seek His support. Furthermore, it’s crucial to have support from the Lord and other believers. In other words, accept their support. Then as life unfolds and you travel from one storm to another you may begin keeping a log or a journal just to write down all of things God has done for you during your times of need (and what people have done). So you'll remember and be encouraged, especially when rough waters hit. This will be a great reference tool for you so you'll be reminded of His goodness when we tend to forget it in the middle of the trial. Memorialize all that God does and has done to bring you through. Review this list from time to time to refresh your memory and to add to it so you'll be encouraged for years to come. This is also something that you may be able to share with others or pass down to testify of the amazing love that the Lord and others have no matter the situation. Along the way, don't forget to thank the Lord and others for what they've done for you.
No matter what the time or season let us be willing and able to in turn support those in need. We need to be wise and sensitive enough to see the Holy Spirit's leading, as we are lead to help others. There are many ways we can effectively do this. There is also wisdom that we need to use as we seek to support others. The spirit will help us discern real needs or false ones. Finally, and most of all, let our prayer be that the Lord would find us whole heartily supporting each other.
Questions to Get Started With:
-Where do you look or to whom do you look for support in your time of need?
-Do you reach out to support others?
-Are you sensitive to seeing others needs?
-Do praise God for His amazing love and provision when the times are calm or when in rough waters?
-Do you keep a running log or journal of what He's provided for you physically and spiritually?
-What are some of practical things you can do to support others?
(Originally published Jan 21, 2001)
