In his early days Moses thought the only way to win a battle was to fight.
But as he topped the hill with Aaron and Hur at his side and looked down at his people of Israel fighting against Amalek; he suddenly knew that his fighting days were over and must be left to men like Joshua. After a moment of thought, Moses took on the Israelite posture of prayer, holding his arms up to the sky and praying to God for Israel’s victory.
So it was that while Moses held up his arms in prayer, Israel found itself winning the battle…but when he stopped praying and lowered his arms, Amalek would begin to dominate his people. With passion, love, and purpose he held up his arms for all his people to see, causing them to take hope and fight on as Moses continued his mighty prayers.
It wasn’t until sometime later that Moses’s body began to tire and his arms lowered as a result. Aaron and Hur took notice that Israel was losing the battle again and quickly found a rock for Moses to sit on. A tear broke from Moses’s eye as he felt the hands of Aaron and Hur lift up his arms in assistance and the three of them prayed for Israel’s victory. It was in that moment that Moses was reminded that the work he had to do for God, could not be accomplished by himself alone. He needed others to come by his side and strengthen him and Israel through prayer.
In the end, Israel defeated Amalek in battle and the power of prayer and the WILL OF GOD was more greatly realized by Moses and the people of Israel. Such success was only possible when people trusted in the Lord and worked together.
I translated the story above from Exodus 17:10-13.
Like Moses, I understand that sometimes the battles in life are bigger then me or any one person.
I must admit that there were times in my past and even times now that I get hard-headed and still try and fight these wars on my own.
Ultimately I grow weary and tired in the midst of my pride and whatever battle I’m facing…but then…always then…that’s when I feel it.
From beside me I feel the hands of my wife Courtney, take my arms, and lift them up.
I can’t even count the number of times the last 4+ years that she’s done this for me. Courtney stands by my side and faces the battles in life with me. Suddenly becoming OUR BATTLES and OUR VICTORIES with God’s help.
Jesus couldn’t have picked a better woman to be my wife and the mother of our beautiful daughters. I pray every day that she knows that the girls and I love her unconditionally and with gratitude. Today marks our 4th year of marriage and my heart is still and will always be hers.
Courtney, thank you for your love and passion for our family. Thank you for always wanting what’s best for us and for your beautiful adventurous heart. The girls and I have seen and experienced things we never would have, had you not chose us. We’re so proud to call you wife and mother.
Finally, thank you for holding up my arms when they’re not strong. You are a faithful and fearless partner who I will always choose first to stand with me and face the world. Our life is so beautiful, but even when it’s hard and ugly, we always overcome together with God’s help. I promise I will always do my best to be here for you like you are for me.
There’s no place else I would rather be.
From here to forever, I love you Courtney Walker.
--Jeremy 10/4/2019
“It happened that whenever Moses raised his hand, the battle went well for Israel; but whenever he lowered his hand to rest, Amalek began to win. 12 When Moses became too tired to hold his hands up any longer, Aaron and Hur took a stone and sat him down on it. Then both men stood beside Moses, one on each side, holding his hands up and keeping them steady until sunset. 13 In the end, Joshua and the men of Israel defeated Amalek and his soldiers with the sword.”
