Who’s Holding You Up?

“Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side.” – Exodus 17:12 ESV

It’s been a weary week.

The kind where you’re spread thin with too little sleep and too much fear and worry.

Our daughter went to the emergency room twice this week. All is good and she’s on the mend, but pain waged a war on her tender body.

It was hard for this momma to see her girl in tears; to come close to her agony, yet feel utterly helpless.

At one point, I stood in the doorway of her room after she was wheeled away for another scan. It was around 4am and the hallway was dead quiet (probably not the best word to use to describe a hospital hallway, but you get what I mean). Emptiness loomed as I leaned against the door frame. Then two words shot through my mind as I stood in the pressing silence.

You’re alone.

For a brief moment I almost bought the lie.

I almost believed that the helplessness and worry I felt was mine alone to shoulder. That my urgent prayers from my feeble heart, were the only ones being offered for my daughter’s health and healing.

I almost believed I stood alone in that empty hall.   

Then I remembered a story in Exodus 17:

A group of nomadic raiders called the Amalekites decided to pick a fight with the Israelites. The Amalekites had some success but when morning came, Moses had a plan. Joshua would lead troops into battle and Moses would take up position on a hill “with the staff of God in my hands.” (Exodus 17:9b)

Joshua the warrior, Moses the pray-er.

We’re not sure how long the battle lasted, but it must have been a long time because “Moses’ hands grew tired.” (Exodus 17:12a)

Imagine. Moses standing on a hill, with his arms raised to heaven, while his family and friends fought, bled and died in the valley below.

When Moses grew weary and the burden weakened his efforts, his hands would lower. When they did, the Amalekites prevailed. When he found strength and raised them higher, the Israelites prevailed.

At some point, war and consuming exhaustion must have been too much for Moses to handle because “Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” (Exodus 17:12b) Finally “Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.” (Exodus 17:13)

I love this story. I love Moses’ leadership and Joshua’s bravery, but I love Aaron and Hur’s friendship the most.

I love how they “went to the top of the hill” (Exodus 17:10b) to partner with Moses in prayer. Maybe they knew they were needed, maybe they didn’t. Maybe they woke with their own plans – their own agendas, but they laid it all aside. Wherever Moses was going, they were going – ready to do for him what maybe Moses couldn’t do for himself.

If that meant war and heartache and desperation – they were ready.

So I have to ask a question …

Who’s holding you up?

When you’re tired of raising the banner of mercy for yourself, your family or your friends.

Who stands for you when the halls are empty and worry covers your soul?

Anyone? Someone?

I have learned to embrace the gracious offer of prayer from a friend, and even to ask for it as if the very air I breathe is on the line.

I’m not in the habit of telling you what to do. I normally like to offer a perspective then let you do with it what you will, but I just can’t do it this time.

Get yourself some praying friends.

Get yourself an Aaron and a Hur and let them stand by your side as pillars in prayer.

I know what you’re going to ask …

How do I? Where do I, find friends like that?

I’ve got three “gives” to share:

Give it to God

All our relationships should be bathed in prayer. Friendships included. Ask God to reveal those who can support you in prayer and ask him to further bless and develop those friendships.

Give of yourself

A certain level of vulnerability is needed when we’re building deep and meaningful relationships. Your praying friend won’t know how to best pray for you if they’re kept at arm’s length.

Give it time

Moses, Aaron and Hur walked through freedom and deserts together. They knew the thrill of parting seas, and the frustration of whiny family members. Praying friends don’t just attend your life, they share your life.

[clickToTweet tweet=”Praying friends don’t just attend your life, they share your life. ” quote=”Praying friends don’t just attend your life, they share your life. “]

There will be many times when we’ll stand in physical aloneness. Where our battles will have us far away on high hills or solitary hallways. But if we arm ourselves with praying friends we will never be alone. And who knows what amazing victories God will bring.