Don't Go Into Battle Alone

Exodus 17

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.

Yet another example in Scripture as to why we need not enter the battle alone. Indeed, to enter into the battle alone, even a battle for the LORD, is foolish and could be doomed from the start. As long as Moses held his arms high, the battle went well for God’s people, but when he grew tired and dropped his arms, the tide turned against them. So, Aaron and Hur held Moses’ arms up for him and the battle was won. How often do we try to strike out on our own, even in the name of God, only to grow weary and become defeated. We weren’t meant to fight these battles alone. Yes, we have Jesus with us, and the Holy Spirit living in us, but we need to be surrounded by others who are in the battle for the LORD as well. I am so grateful for my “Band of Brothers” who are in the battle along with me. Some live nearby, and many others live scattered around the globe, but they give me the strength and inspiration to continue in my small part of the battle.