Day 9 - Issue 27
Exodus 17:12 NLT
'Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset.'
A wonderful thing that occurred last year has been rediscovering friends from years ago. One reconnection has led to a number of rich and rewarding relationships becoming established once more. It’s a reminder that none of us can successfully journey with faith on our own. I am resilient, somewhat like a terrier with a bone. This tenacity has its strengths. Yet, it can mean I lose perspective and may end up fighting all the wrong battles, or the appropriate battles in an unhealthy and unhelpful way.
Moses carried a great responsibility in leading the people of Israel and here, as they battle with the Amalekites, he grows weary in prayer. I too grow weary in my prayer routine. Just the other day my heart was not in my daily office; my mind flitted from one thought to the next. I longed to move away from prayer into my day. The problem here was not my prayer, but my butterfly mind and perhaps my mood. I completed my prayer and regardless of my feelings, God was present.
I am fortunate to have those with whom I can talk with and who will, with no expectation of providing answers, encourage and support me in both challenging and easier times. I too accompany people in their difficult seasons. I often have no answers and must resist the temptation to offer any.
Here in St Cuthbert’s Oratory we lead retreats which offer the opportunity to express faith together in a group context. They are neither training nor teaching days. Rather days where we support each other as Aaron and Hur support Moses. Pilgrimage is also a great faith builder as over a few days we walk and encourage each other, often drawing upon the stories of those who’ve gone ahead of us.
QUESTION: Who are your friends who can lift your arms as you grow weary with the challenge of your journey of faith?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for friends who walk with me and strengthen me. Help me to be such a friend too.
