The 12 Days of LCC – A Year-End Devotional Series

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Give ‘Em a Hand -The Tenth Day of LCC

As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. – Exodus 17:11-12

There are all sorts of ways to encourage people. Greeting cards, hand written notes, phone calls, thank-you gifts… One of the best ways to encourage, to literally “build up the courage” of someone to undertake or continue a task, is to actually come alongside them. When we join someone in accomplishing a goal or bring our resources to their aid something awesome happens. A bond is formed and the result is almost always greater than what any of us could do by individual effort. Even if those efforts were made side by side but disconnected from each other.

Aaron and Hur could’ve stood beside Moses shouting encouraging words and telling him how wonderful he was. They could’ve read inspirational sayings to him about succeeding in battle. None of that would’ve kept his arms in the air and when he grew tired and could no longer keep his hands up the Israelites would’ve lost the battle. No, Aaron and Hur had to jump into the fray and get involved. Even standing nearby and holding their own hands up wouldn’t have done anything. But coming along each side of Moses and holding his hands up assured victory for their people.

So the next time you sit down to write a thank-you card or encouraging note to your pastor or offer words of praise for his latest sermon, ask yourself if that’s the best you can do. Those aren’t bad things to do but sometimes a round of applause from the sidelines just isn’t enough!

Prayer
Dear Lord, open my eyes to the ways in which I can come alongside my pastor and other leaders in my church that will be truly helpful, meaningful and encouraging. Amen.