Exodus 17:8-13
2 Timothy 3:14—4:2
Psalm 121:1-8
Luke 18:1-8
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GIVE ME A HAND
Jesus "told them a parable on the necessity of praying always and not losing heart." —Luke 18:1
“As long as Moses kept his hands raised up, Israel had the better of the fight, but when he let his hands rest, Amalek had the better of the fight. Moses’ hands, however, grew tired; so they put a rock in place for him to sit on. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands…and Joshua” won the battle (Ex 17:11-13).
Jesus, nailed upon the cross, battled with the kingdom of darkness for our souls. His hands grew weary as He stretched them out in prayer for us. Though He had no one to hold up His weary arms, the nails held up His hands so He could keep them stretched out in prayer and win the battle.
Perhaps you are alone in your faith and have no Aaron and Hur to support your hands and spirit as you pray. Your cross is heavy, your hands are growing tired, and it’s hard to keep them upraised in confident prayer. So if you “have been crucified with Christ” (Gal 2:19), it could be that the nails holding you to your cross are your “Aaron” and “Hur,” keeping your hands upheld and stretched out in persistent prayer.
Perhaps if circumstances were more favorable in your life, you might be tempted to relax and stop praying. But your cross, the nails, and the suffering keep your hands outstretched in prayer and lead you to victory in your spiritual battle. “So strengthen your drooping hands” (Heb 12:12). Pray persistently, as Jesus directs (see Lk 18:1). “Wear Him out” with your prayers (see Is 62:6-7).
Prayer: Lord, when I grow tired for You, may I never grow tired of You.
Promise: "My help is from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth." —Ps 121:2
Praise: "Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever" (Ps 136:1).
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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