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First, if you are looking for the #TellHisStory community. You found it! Welcome to its new home!
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Have you ever been surprised when you read in one of the books of the Law? Honestly, sometimes, I’m tempted to skim the dos and don’ts. I’m reading through Exodus right now, and God stopped me in chapter seventeen. I saw anew how we are created for community.
God’s people had only just been freed from Egypt. They had just walked across the Red Sea’s bottom.
In this chapter, Amalek picks a fight with Israel as they wandered in the desert. Moses instructs Joshua to gather some men to fight the battle.
And then Moses trekked up a hill that overlooked the battleground.
And that’s where God stopped me.
There’s Moses, holding God’s rod in his hands and raising his arms high, as God directed. And at first he was strong. He had this handled.
Until his arms grew too heavy to hold high anymore. The thing was when his arms were raised, Israel had the upper hand in the fight. But when Moses’ arms lowered, Amalek grew stronger.
Why We’re Created For Community
God didn’t create us to fight battles—to walk through struggles—alone. Can I be honest and say that sometimes I mistake myself for Super Woman? I try to don my golden lasso and my belt, and I fall into this crazy belief that it’s all on me . . .
my children’s walks with the Lord and their unique struggles as they figure out life,
taking care of our family and extended family’s needs,
keeping up with boys’ and Hubs’ schedules,
maintaining the house,
being our family taxi driver, sometimes-counselor, short-order cook,
living godly, writing, and doing all the things . . .
Here’s the truth: trying to do this all on my own leaves me weary. Can anyone relate?
As Moses valiantly led two million people out of captivity, the weight of that heavy responsibility rested on his shoulders and his heart. But God . . . He provided people to help Moses in this hard, holy calling. Aaron became his mouthpiece. I suspect Marian was his worship leader.
Joshua had become his support and general. And, in this battle between Amalek and Israel, Aaron and Hur upheld and strengthened Moses.
Just as Moses needed help, so do we. God created us for community. He created us to “be better together.” Life will bring us battles. Some will feel overwhelming.
In this Tell His Story community, we have the amazing opportunity to hold up each other’s arms. As we share our stories, our struggles, our victories, our lessons learned, we get to cheer each other on. We have the privilege of giving virtual hugs, of encouraging. And, of holding each other’s arms high for God’s glory.
We’re each living our own stories, but they become interwoven when we share them. As we put words to our own stories, God has a way of defining truths in our hearts. When we read others’ words, He can reveal more of Himself to us. He gives us the gift of sharing with others so we can be encouragers, truth-speakers, cheerleaders, and come-alongsiders.
Three Lessons From Moses’s Life
As we continue to build our beautiful Tell His Story community, let’s remember a few lessons from Moses’ life:
- God may allow us to “do life” in our own strength . . . for a little while. But, like Moses, we will grow weary. When we’re willing to accept help and encouragement, we can be strengthened to continue to fulfill the callings He’s given us.
- Our Father has placed Aarons and Hurs in our lives. Remember? We were created for community. Some of them may be here in this weekly linkup. We never know the impact that a word fitly spoken will have on another’s life.
- Moses had encouragers; so do we. As we travel on together, each step bringing us closer to the eternal Promised Land, this community can be a place where we find courage, comfort, and compassion. And as He leads, relationships will grow as we encourage each other through words, through prayer, and through sharing.
And How Did It End?
By the battle’s end, Joshua had led Israel to victory. Moses’ arms were upheld by Aaron and Hur, a reminder that God was still God, and He was still protecting His people.
God has victories in our lives too. No matter what battle we find ourselves in right now, whether for our children’s hearts, a health battle, or something else, God stays with us. And He’s given us encouragers and supporters to walk with us.
Let’s lay aside our capes and lassos and allow the Aarons and Hurs in our lives to strengthen us.
What about you? Who has God placed in your life as an encourager or a strengthener? What encourages you most when you’re in the middle of life’s struggles?
Click to Tweet: God didn’t create us to fight battles—to face struggles—alone.
#TellHisStory Link Up
Each week we gather here as storytellers, word weavers, and encouragers to make His name known. Our story is God’s story and this small corner of the blogging world, where we come together each Tuesday, needs you. This is a place where poetry, snapshots, prayers, and stories find a safe spot to nod in agreement that what we have to say matters.
I am glad you are here and would love to have you join the #TellHisStory community. Add your own encouraging post through the link below. Spread some love by visiting your neighbor and leave your own encouragement.
Thank you for being our new hostess. And for writing about such an important topic.
Lauren, it’s so nice to see you! Thank you so much for stopping by. I look forward to getting to know you better through your posts here each week. 🙂
Jeanne – thanks for your willingness to continue this monthly gathering! Praying it will be as big of a blessing to you each week as it is to me (and to many) as we come together each week!!
Hi Jennifer! I’m sure this community will continue to be a blessing for me. And I pray it is for those who link up each week as well! I’m so grateful you’re one who does. I appreciate your friendship!
Congrats, my friend!! Everything looks great and you are now ready to open your doors to Tell His Story each week. Thank you for saying “yes” and thank you for always for your encouragement.
Thank you so much, Mary! God has ways of moving on our hearts, doesn’t He? Thank you for your encouragements as well, both as the TellHisStory host for your years and as my friend.
Mary, thank you for being ever the encourager! I thank God often for your friendship! I appreciate the way you’ve come alongside me as I embark on this adventure. 🙂
Great post Jeanne, God definitely created us for community, how lovely that is & we do need each other, as people need people.
Since Inlinkz updated their sign in process my tablet can’t access their updated data (my tablet is too old I’m told).
So I have been joining you all in the comments section,
My post this week is; Are You Struggling My Friend?
https://teawithjennifer.blog/2020/10/08/are-you-struggling-my-friend/
Blessings,
Jennifer
Jennifer, I’m so glad you’re finding a way to stay involved. Evolving tech can be a little crazy-making, can’t it? I think God knew that connection with others would strengthen us through each season of our lives. We definitely do need each other!
Oh I agree, I think technology can be extremely frustrating Jeanne! But I love being a part of this community & thought well there’s another way! 😉
Great post; good reminder during this ‘time of isolation.”
Thanks, Mom! This has been an isolating sort of year. We have to seek out community, don’t we?
Beautiful, Jeanne! I’m so thankful for this community, for you, for your new leadership of #TellHisStory. When I think of the encourages in my life–online and in person–my cup quickly overflows. Praying for you, my friend …
Lois, thank you for your continued encouragement and prayers. You are a blessing. I’m so glad you have so many encouragers in your life. Those kinds of people definitely enrich our lives!
Jen picked Mary, Mary picked you. Great choices. Carry on, Jeanne!!!
Thanks, sweet friend!
I am thankful for the fellowship and community of others. Whether online, on the phone, face time video, or in person, we are meant for community. We have wonderful opportunities to share God’s love with others in the every day moments.
Melissa, like you, I’m so thankful for the fellowship and community, in-person and online. And yes, especially this year, it seems like we have more opportunities to share God’s love in everyday moments. Thanks for stopping by!
Amen! Jeanne, I always get overwhelmed when I feel it’s “all on me,” and anxiety and pressure creep in and threaten to level me. But we are not meant to be islands. We are meant to share each other’s burdens. Thank you for an excellent reminder!
Jessica, it seems like this year has highlighted how easy it is to become overwhelmed with life when I try to take it all on by myself. I loved what you said about how we’re not meant to be islands, but to help bear each others’ burdens. Thanks for your words here!
I’m so thankful to have a community of genuine friendships and supporters. I love the beautiful image of Aaron helping to hold up Moses’s arms. That’s what we’re called to do–be there for one another, build each other up, support one another through those difficult times. Thank you for the community you’re building here. I’m so thankful you’re one of my Aarons. <3
Lisa, having that sort of community is invaluable! You’re right, we have the privilege of building each other up and supporting each other. I’m thankful you’re one of my Aarons too!
We’re currently in another cycle of hardship and loss, the thIrd or fourth difficult season of our 43 years together. They’re all running into one another, so I’m losing track. We relocated right before this all hit us and the virus locked us down just as we were starting to make new friendships here. So mostly, at this time, it’s us and Jesus once again. Alone with Jesus carries us daily. It is difficult and often lonely in the human connection area, but the Lord never forsakes us. He holds up our hands.
Melinda, I’m so sorry it’s been a layer-upon-layer difficult year for you and your husband. Thank goodness Jesus is great company when it’s just us and Him. And you’re right, He’s really good at holding up our hands. Thank you for sharing here.
The loss of in-person community the past few months really opened my eyes to how much I needed it. As an introvert, I thought I’d be fine with online community only for awhile. But it’s been tougher than I realized it would be. We all need to cheer and be cheered on, in every way possible. Thanks for encouraging us here today and for hosting this lovely community linkup.
Lisa, my son loved the first number of weeks of our stay-at-home order, but even he commented that he was ready to see people, particularly his friends, again. You’re so right. We do all need to cheer and be cheered on. There’s nothing that can replace in-person connection. Thank you for your kind words!
Simply beautiful, Jeanne. I’m so grateful God has placed encourgages in my life and given me Aarons and Hurs to help strengthen me. This is so powerful, “As we put words to our own stories, God has a way of defining truths in our hearts.”
I’m grateful to have encouragers in my life too, Karen. They are irreplaceable! I’m glad you have them too. Thank you for stopping by!
I read recently in Dream Big by Bob Goff, that dreams are made when we make ourselves available for others. In other words, be that gal that’s there when someone calls or shows up. I can get caught up in my schedules, or think I’m too tired to answer that call or text from a friend, but being uplifted and vice-versa is medicine for any weariness!
Oh Lynn, I really like the idea of being available. I find it too easy to hunker down and do my thing when it feels like there’s lots to be done. But, I miss out on the blessing of connection and helping/being helped by others. Yes, being uplifted and being the one who uplifts eases weariness.
It’s been amazing to me how the Lord has connected me with people during this time. He is increasing connection at a time when I would have expected decreasing connection. I am thankful for connecting through the internet, the mail, and a phone call. The friendships which have been forged through online communities have been so encouraging and precious to me. And I include you in that community! May God bless you as you grow this community now and #TellHisStory!
Joanne, God has ways of meeting our needs in unexpected ways, doesn’t He? I love that He’s given you more connection than you may have expected. Though I have missed in-person gatherings, I have been grateful to be able to connect with friends—new and old—online. I count you as a friend too. Thank you for being such an encourager.
My daughters are my Aaron and Hur 😁. I also work with a great team of people who regularly encourage and uplift each other. And of course there’s the #fmfpart community ❤️
Anita, you are a blessed woman to have such sweet relationships with your daughters. How wonderful that you are able to come alongside each other. Working with great people is also a gift! and yes, online communities are also wonderful!
Thanks, Jeanne, for picking up the mantle!
Aww, thanks, friend!
Jeanna,
Some days I can’t see the forest for the trees and, like Moses, my arms grow weary. I’m so thankful that I have sister-believers who come alongside me and hold my arms up when I’m just too weak. We are not made to persevere alone. So glad to be linking up at the new home of #ToTellHisStory !!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, I have a feeling, if we ever were close enough in proximity to have coffee together, that we would chat for hours. I’m glad God has placed many sweet sisters in your life to hold up your arms when they become weary. 🙂
There are offers have been made
to sit with me through these fell days
and offer cooling moral shade
from cancer’s cruelly burning rays,
but I cannot except this grace,
though my heart thanks everyone.
Work to do, and I must face
my destiny ‘neath this dark sun.
At times I ponder Robert Frost,
his little horse exhaused, blind,
in deep snowfall nearly lost,
and these are words that come to mind:
“But I have promises to keep,
and miles to go before I sleep.”
Jeanne, I hope you don’t mind that you got a mention in a comment that I left to Barb Roose’s new post at Books and Such.
Andrew, you know yourself well. And God honors that. I suspect there is encouragement that comes your way (and that you send forth) through your poems and blogs. You share words that impact people deeply. I read Barb’s post and your comment. I’m in good company. Thanks!!
In the midst of the pandemic, it’s easy to feel like we’re trudging on alone–yet we need connection with others now more than ever. I’m thankful for communities like this to facilitate encouragemnt and interaction.
Barbara, you’re right in this season of isolation, we must be intentional about seeking out community. I’m thankful for these kinds of communities as well because of all that they offer. Thanks so much for visiting!