Helping Hands

We were never meant to do things all on our own. Autonomy does not have its place in the body of Christ. That's because our God is a relational God. He wants that personal relationship with us (humans) but He also wants it between us! When we face great trials, carry burdens, or are in a battle waiting for a positive outcome, the victory is always sweeter when shared.

Exodus 17:8-13 (NLT)

Israel Defeats the Amalekites

8 While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. 9 Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.”
10 So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. 11 As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. 12 Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. 13 As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle. [emphasis mine]

God even made sure when this victory was done that Joshua knew it wasn't all his doing. God was the commander and He chose to use 4 men to lead this army to victory.

Our church body [the body of Christ] is the same. God chooses for us to hold each other up through prayer, accountability, teaching and encouragement, just to name a few.

Are you hurting? Or is someone you know hurting? Are you in a battle with the enemy that seems overwhelming? Is someone you know in that kind of battle?

Reach out and pick someone up today. Or, let someone reach out to you and help you through your struggle. That is the very way we become the "hands and feet" of Christ.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)

9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. [emphasis mine]

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NLT)

23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near. [emphasis mine]

Choosing JOY,

Stephanie