Scripture: Exodus 17:8-12
When the people of Amalek came to war against Israel, Moses asked Joshua, his attendant to select men to fight against them and that he will go to the top of hill with the staff of God in his hands. Amalek was a nation that was an enemy of the Israelites and the grandson of Esau. Joshua was the leader of the tribe of Ephraim and one of the great warriors of the old testament. This was the first time Joshua was introduced in the bible and later became the successor of Moses. Moses was the commander in chief of the armed forces, the president who does not go to war but sends people to war.
War is not meant for every man but selected men, chosen and trained to represent a community or a nation against the adversaries. A man cannot war against many adversaries alone, he needs a support team, he needs people to join force with him to be stronger. He may be strong alone but he can be stronger together with a support team. Moses said he will go on top of the hill while the selected and chosen men go to war. He went on top of the hill to stand the gap for the men at war, to intercede for them. He was supporting them spiritually which is very significant because for us to win the physical battles, we need spiritual backings. Hence, the bible says Moses lifted up his hands and when his hands were up, Israel prevailed but when his hand were weak and down, the Amalek prevailed. This went on for some time until Aaron and Hur put a stone for him to sit and they held his hands up on both sides till sunset, till evening (all day) and Israel won the battle.
We need support team in this race of life, in our walk with God. Though it is a personal race, we cannot run it alone, we need the gift of men, we need people to encourage us and we need to encourage one another. We need people to share with, pray with, talk to, share burdens and pains, people who can understand and relate well with us. A good starting point is among believers, the church. Look for areas you can serve, where you can help, impact lives, look for a need in the church or community. Every church needs intercessors, you can never pray too much but can pray less. You can pray for the pastors, the ministers. They need your prayers; they face more attacks than the church members. They can’t do it alone; they need people to pray for them. Apostle Paul asked for prayer in Ephesians 6:19 “And for me, that utterance may be given me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” You can be an encourager, be the one to call and check on people. Don’t take offence when people don’t call you, make the first move to check on others when you don’t hear from them in a while. It is everybody’s responsibility to call, check and encourage others.
Moses could not do it alone, he had supporters, he had supporters Aaron, his brother and Hur, his brother-in-law who was married to his sister, Miriam. We all need support team – in prayers, get a prayer partner. Someone who will agree with you in prayers on what you are believing God for. You could meet in person or over the phone which is the most convenient way now or on a video call. There is power in prayer of agreement. One person can chase 1,000 and two people can put 10,000 to flight (Deuteronomy 32:30). You can also be an encourager, be the one to check on people. Get out of your comfort zone just to call and encourage someone. There is fulfillment in being a support team player. You never know how much God will use you to impact lives. Call your family members, check on your friends, neighbors, colleagues, those who care about you and those you care about. What you’ve wished you could do but have no time to, this is when to find the time to do those things. Pray more, study the bible more, get more closer to God and build with relevant relationships. You never know, nothing is promised to anyone but only God knows all things. Sometime ago during the lockdown, I found myself reconnecting with relationships that l lost for years. Relationships with family members and friends, it was an exciting and interesting journey. Make good use of the time you have in doing what pleases God and gives you joy.
Steps to take for support system:
- Identify your need – what is lacking, what is the vacuum, what is the emptiness?
- Know your value, what is important to you – consistency, commitment, godliness, etc.
- Get connected – research on available resources and connect to the right channel
You can pray and ask the Lord for the type of supporters you need:
- Spiritual support team to encourage you in your walk with God
- Prayer partners to agree with you in prayer on what you’re trusting God for
- Financial support to meet your material needs
- Destiny supporters to take you to the next level and fulfill destiny
- Business partners for new business or grow the existing one
For any need you may have or height you want to attain, someone has been there and done that. Therefore, ride on the shoulders of heroes, champions, veterans, etc.
Moses had Aaron and Hur by his sides who gave him stone to sit on. Stone is strong and hard to break, it can be used for foundation. You need a support team with strong foundation on the word of God. People who will not lead you astray, be there for you come rain or shine. Those who will not betray you or laugh at you. Some people feel withdrawn opening up to someone because of previous bad experience. Ask the Lord for healing, pray for peace and strength to move on. Ask the Lord for wisdom on how to go about your next support team if you chose to get one or try again and pray for understanding as well.
May the Lord lead and order your steps aright as you make a move or take the next step for a support team.