By Josie Siler
I was recently reminded of a role I played in sixth grade. I had the distinct honor of playing Candy in Pop, Candy, and The Christmas Time Travelers. Back when I went to school, sixth grade was still considered part of elementary school, not middle school. I was on top of the world when I was chosen for the part. You see, all through school, I had never been chosen for the lead role. I’m pretty sure it’s because I can’t sing… but finally a role came along with no solos and I was the gal for the job! It was a blast, though maybe not as much fun as playing a goat that had to cough up a red handkerchief!
In my time with the Lord yesterday, I read about the first battle the Israelites encountered after God brought them out of Egypt. The army of Amalek came out to attack the people of Israel. The Amalekites were known as great warriors who enjoyed fighting and killing others. It was a sport to them. This time, they messed with the wrong people! We find the short account in Exodus 17:10-13 (NLT). It reads:
I was recently reminded of a role I played in sixth grade. I had the distinct honor of playing Candy in Pop, Candy, and The Christmas Time Travelers. Back when I went to school, sixth grade was still considered part of elementary school, not middle school. I was on top of the world when I was chosen for the part. You see, all through school, I had never been chosen for the lead role. I’m pretty sure it’s because I can’t sing… but finally a role came along with no solos and I was the gal for the job! It was a blast, though maybe not as much fun as playing a goat that had to cough up a red handkerchief!
In my time with the Lord yesterday, I read about the first battle the Israelites encountered after God brought them out of Egypt. The army of Amalek came out to attack the people of Israel. The Amalekites were known as great warriors who enjoyed fighting and killing others. It was a sport to them. This time, they messed with the wrong people! We find the short account in Exodus 17:10-13 (NLT). It reads:
While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. 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. As a result, Joshua overwhelmed the army of Amalek in battle.
Something in my head connected my role as Candy and the battle against the Amalekites. Whether it’s a children’s play or an epic battle, we all have a role to play. We all need each other. If not for Pop and the Christmas Time Travelers, Candy would be nothing. If not for Aaron and Hur, the battle would be lost.
God has given each of us a specific role to play in life, only we’re not acting. This is real life and we each have a task to do, several over the course of our lives. Let’s look at the story of the Israelites first battle a little closer. Here, we meet Joshua for the first time. Many years later, God chooses him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. In this battle, he is taking his orders from Moses. He chooses other men who are able to fight, and off to battle they go. Without Joshua’s obedience, the battle would be lost. Without the men he chose to fight with him, the battle would be lost.
Moses, Aaron, and Hur climb to the top of a hill to watch the battle. We can only assume God told Moses to bring his staff and raise it during battle. As long as he did this, the Israelites were winning. Without Moses, the battle would be lost.
Naturally, Moses’ arms got tired and he couldn’t hold them up any more. Aaron and Hur come alongside him and hold his arms up until the battle is won. Without Aaron and Hur, the battle would be lost.
Whatever battle you are in right now, know that God is on your side. He will help you fight. He will bring others into your life at just the right time to help you win the battle. He will send you to others to help them win their battles.
Whatever task God has given you, know that it is important. You are needed. Without you doing what God has asked you to do, a battle could be lost. Maybe God has asked you to play the leading part. Maybe He has asked you to be a lowly goat. Maybe He has asked you to be still and know that He is God.
We can find freedom in God’s will for us. We don’t have to do everything, just the things God is asking us to do. We don’t have to be someone else; we just have to be the person God has made us to be. What God has asked you to do is important. You are needed!
What task has God given you? Are you doing it? What victories have been won in the past because of your obedience?
God has given each of us a specific role to play in life, only we’re not acting. This is real life and we each have a task to do, several over the course of our lives. Let’s look at the story of the Israelites first battle a little closer. Here, we meet Joshua for the first time. Many years later, God chooses him to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. In this battle, he is taking his orders from Moses. He chooses other men who are able to fight, and off to battle they go. Without Joshua’s obedience, the battle would be lost. Without the men he chose to fight with him, the battle would be lost.
Moses, Aaron, and Hur climb to the top of a hill to watch the battle. We can only assume God told Moses to bring his staff and raise it during battle. As long as he did this, the Israelites were winning. Without Moses, the battle would be lost.
Naturally, Moses’ arms got tired and he couldn’t hold them up any more. Aaron and Hur come alongside him and hold his arms up until the battle is won. Without Aaron and Hur, the battle would be lost.
Whatever battle you are in right now, know that God is on your side. He will help you fight. He will bring others into your life at just the right time to help you win the battle. He will send you to others to help them win their battles.
Whatever task God has given you, know that it is important. You are needed. Without you doing what God has asked you to do, a battle could be lost. Maybe God has asked you to play the leading part. Maybe He has asked you to be a lowly goat. Maybe He has asked you to be still and know that He is God.
We can find freedom in God’s will for us. We don’t have to do everything, just the things God is asking us to do. We don’t have to be someone else; we just have to be the person God has made us to be. What God has asked you to do is important. You are needed!
What task has God given you? Are you doing it? What victories have been won in the past because of your obedience?
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you. Let Me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” –Matthew 11:28-29
© June 19, 2014
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