“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
Community
You’ve heard it said, “There is no ‘I’ in team.” Even an individual-sport athlete like a cross-country runner needs a team, a community to perform at their best. We need our coaches, trainers, friends and family to provide instruction and support. They stand with us in the ups and downs of our career, and encourage us when we get weary.
The same is true in life. We need community, especially when life gets hard. We were not intended to live life on our own. The Bible is full of examples highlighting the importance of community.
During one particular battle, the success or failure of the Israelite army depended on Moses keeping his hands in the air. As long as his hands were raised Israel was winning, but when his muscles grew weary and his hands dropped, the enemy began to win. So two members of Moses’ community (Aaron and Hur) stood beside him, holding up his hands until the Israelites won the battle.
God’s Word instructs us to love one another, encourage one another, serve one another, carry one another’s burdens, and not to forsake meeting together. Having a spiritual community is important, especially when life’s circumstances make us weary. Devote yourself to community. Be there for others and lean into your community. They will provide the strength and encouragement you need to face life’s challenges.
— Karen Zando, NWSL’s Orlando Pride chaplain
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