You Cannot Move Forward Alone

Moses’ hands, however, grew tired; so they took a rock and put it under him and he sat on it. Meanwhile Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady until sunset.

Exodus 17:12 (NABRE)

We all love those biblical passages that bear witness to miracles, reveal prophecies, or announce blessings. Consequently, whenever we read the Bible or listen to a message, we always expect to find something within it that will capture our interest. This episode in the wilderness—where Moses must keep his hands raised to ensure victory for the people of Israel—has been the subject of countless sermons, for it demonstrates the power of God and His way of using human beings to reveal His glory. Such a story captivates our attention.

But what if we were to examine another aspect of this very same story together? Although God called Moses to be a deliverer and anointed him to fulfill his mission, He never asked him to do everything entirely on his own. From the very beginning, He suggested that Moses take Aaron with him to serve as a spokesperson before the people and before Pharaoh. Just imagine the power God conferred upon Moses when He asked him to keep his hands raised to guarantee the people's victory. This power resided in the raised arms—and not in Moses' own ability to stand firm without ever growing weary. Even with all that power, Moses eventually grew tired.

If Moses—who possessed both the anointing and God's mandate for such a task—still needed the help of Joshua and Hur to support his hands until sunset, ask yourself this question: "Are *you* capable of moving forward alone and fulfilling your mission simply because God has called you?" If that does not convince you, turn your gaze toward Jesus. He was God, and yet, He still needed His disciples to accompany Him throughout His earthly ministry. You, too, need the help of others; For if God has called you to a specific task, He has also called someone else to complement you. If Moses needed the strength of Joshua and Hur, in all likelihood, you need the prayers of others. Think about it.

May God’s grace and peace be with you.