Total Dependence on God
OPENING PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, as we begin this journey of understanding and applying Your Word, we ask for Your guidance. Help us to recognize our total dependence on You and to seek Your strength in all we do. Amen.
"The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, 'Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.' So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. 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. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword."
REFLECT:
In this passage, we see a vivid illustration of the power of prayer and dependence on God. Moses, a leader who once relied on his own strength, learned through his experiences that true victory comes from God. The act of holding up his hands was a physical manifestation of his prayer and dependence on God. This story reminds us that our battles, whether physical or spiritual, are not won by our strength but by God's power. The message emphasized that prayer is not just preparation for the battle; it is the battle itself. This is a powerful reminder that in our lives, we must prioritize prayer and dependence on God above all else.
Moses' transformation from self-reliance to God-reliance is a journey many of us can relate to. We often try to handle life's challenges on our own, forgetting that God is the source of all true power. The message challenges us to make prayer our first step, not our last resort. This requires humility and a recognition of our limitations. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to examine areas in our lives where we need to surrender control and seek God's guidance.
The story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur also highlights the importance of community in our spiritual journey. When Moses grew tired, he relied on his friends to support him. This teaches us that we are not meant to walk this journey alone. We need the support and prayers of others to sustain us, especially in times of difficulty. The message calls us to engage in communal prayer, recognizing that God's power flows through the prayers of His people.
I WILL STATEMENT:
I WILL pray for our 10 year vision.
CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for teaching us the importance of total dependence on You. Help us to surrender our struggles and trust in Your power. May we seek Your guidance in all things and rely on the support of our community. Amen.