Exodus 17:9-16

While watching the World Cup football l noticed something in every match: one player cannot play on his own. He is on a journey that could change his life forever. Knowing the weaknesses of the opposing team is key and support from teammates are critical to winning the game . One minute one team is winning and in the next a goal is scored and changes the winners into losers. The best goals are often those set up by one player and scored by another. The players must be prepared for changes at any point in the game including being substituted out for fresher legs.

I am currently on a change journey that has changed my life forever. On this change journey, things are changing each day. Some of these changes are so major that they are difficult to comprehend much less make, but are necessary! What helps me cope with them is having support from others at different points and levels. Some people are with me in the trenches, right beside me, step by step, toe by toe in body , mind and spirit. Others support me through calls, prayers, visits, encouragement and so much more. This support helps to provide the physical, spiritual and mental fortitude needed to make the changes especially on days when you feel low.

Ultimately, the Lord in His wisdom, has been giving me the strength to accept the things I can’t change and the courage to change what l can. This divine support has made all the difference. This include providing the competencies I need for each stage of the journey such as training my hands to war, my feet to climb up and scale a wall, to lie down in green pastures while my body , mind and soul undergo transformation and restoration, even learning how to walk head up when faced with the valley of the shadow.

Exodus 17 is an important passage that speaks about support at several levels. Exodus 17, Joshua got the command to go to war. However, he needed more support than his army could provide so Moses went on top of the mountain with three critical supports : the rod of God, Aaron and Hur. Going to the top of the mountain meant Joshua could see Moses’ hands raised towards heaven but holding hands up with the rod is tiring business . Lowing his hands meant the other side was winning. Therefore Aaron and Hur had to provide the necessary support for Moses so he could support Joshua. This indirect support until sunset ensured that Joshua overcame the enemy. Wow! indirect support is important to our success.

It is interesting that God indicated that this should be written down for remembrance purposes and that Joshua hears about it knowing that the Lord is his Banner. God wants us to know and remember how critical both human and divine support are to our survival and success. So who are you going to support today?

Prayer
Father we lean on you for support as we go through the changing scenes of life. Help us to provide support for those who need it whether directly or indirectly as they go through their various changes. We are grateful for your daily, even minute by minute support in Jesus Christ of Nazareth name. Amen