by Joanie Butman
While visiting a friend’s church recently, the pastor was installing the new youth minister. He invited the congregation to lift their arms to pray a blessing over this young man as he embarked on his new ministry. Eagerly, I raised my arm as the prayer began. And he prayed, and prayed, and prayed. It didn’t take long for my arm to become fatigued. I braced it with my other arm while it hung limply. Everyone had their eyes closed, so I began peaking around to see if others were having the same issue. They all continued with outstretched arms – seemingly without strain. Since all eyes were shut, I didn't think anyone would notice me lowering my aching arm. What was it Jesus said to His apostles, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41b)?
I leaned to my friend and whispered, “No wonder Moses needed help to keep his arms up during that battle!” If I thought the pastor’s prayer was long, poor Moses needed to keep his hands up all day. And he was no spring chicken - probably 80 at the time. If you don’t know the story, it occurs during a battle when the Israelites were under attack by the Amalekites.
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.” 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. (Exodus 17:9-13)
Not only did he need to keep his arms lifted, but he was holding a staff! I’m such a wimp. Regardless, this story is a perfect illustration of why we need the support of other Christians on our faith walk. The friend I whispered to didn’t offer to hold my arm up, but she’s been supporting me (and many others) during our darkest hours for years. When our strength (or faith) is waning for any number of reasons that life provides in abundance, we need to lean on the strength and faith of others to carry us through whatever trial we’re facing. I’ve experienced this fellowship repeatedly and am always humbled by the willingness of others to come alongside me when I am at my weakest. It’s an incredible act of love that you can’t help but pay forward.
It’s an honor and privilege to choose to serve others in their hour of need. I’ve been on both sides of that equation and can say from experience, it’s during those times that I’ve felt the love of Christ in its purest form. I’ve been overwhelmed with inexplicable love and compassion for strangers I’ve met on cancer wards. When I’m the patient, it feels like Jesus Himself is caring for me through others. I’ve never felt so loved.
For some reason, most people find it easier to be on the giving versus the receiving side. After much practice, I think I’m finally getting the hang of letting others care for me when needed. However, it’s taken me a lifetime and I’m still working on letting go and letting God care for me the way He promises. Surrender isn’t easy to master. It’s required on a daily, if not hourly, basis. Even so, when and if you choose to relinquish a “power through” attitude, it’s the beginning of victory in Christ. He is always there waiting with outstretched arms to offer His love and provision in abundance. Blessedly, His arms never grow weary!
