Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Verses: Exodus 17:8-19:15, Matthew 22:34-23:12, Psalm 27:7-14, Proverbs 6:27-35

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Don’t Carry It Alone

In Exodus 17:8–13, Israel faced a fierce battle with Amalek. Joshua fought in the valley, while Moses went up on the hill with the staff of God in his hands. As long as Moses lifted his hands toward heaven, Israel was winning. But when his arms grew tired and fell, the enemy began to gain ground.

This was not accidental. God was teaching His people that victory does not come from strength alone. It flows from dependence on Him.

Moses’ raised hands were a posture of surrender and trust. They said, “Lord, we need You.” As long as that connection remained, God’s power was released. When it weakened, so did their strength.

But Moses grew weary.

Even this great leader became tired.

And God made sure that was written in Scripture.

Aaron and Hur saw his weakness and stepped in. They placed a stone under him to sit on, and they held up his arms—one on each side—until sunset. Because of their support, Moses stayed connected to God, and Israel won the battle.

God was showing us something important.

We are not meant to fight alone.

We are not meant to pray alone.
We are not meant to carry responsibility alone.
We are not meant to endure pressure alone.

In the very next chapter, Exodus 18, Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, visited and saw the overwhelming burden Moses was carrying. He warned him that doing everything alone would wear him out. Then he gave him wise counsel to appoint others to help lead the people.

In verse 22, he said, “They will help you carry the load.”

That was God’s heart.

Victory requires dependence on Him.
Endurance requires support from others.

Moses needed Joshua in the valley.
He needed God on the mountain.
And he needed Aaron and Hur beside him.

We need the same.

Sometimes we are in the battle.
Sometimes we are on our knees in prayer.
Sometimes we are holding someone else up.
And sometimes, we are the ones who need support.

All of it is holy.

All of it is necessary.

When we stay connected to God and connected to one another, His power flows. His purposes prevail. And His people are strengthened.

We were never designed to walk this journey alone. 💎

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Action (5 Minutes with God)

Ask the Lord today where you may be trying to carry too much by yourself. Invite Him to show you who He has placed in your life to support you. And if someone around you is weary, ask God how you can help hold them up in prayer and encouragement. Ask Him:

• “What do You want me to know about this today, Lord?”
  • Journal what He whispers by His Holy Spirit.
• Then ask, “What do You want me to do?”
  • Journal what He whispers – then do it!

If you have been hesitant to ask for help, choose humility and openness. Let God show you what He sees for you today.

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Prayer

Father God, thank You for never leaving me to walk alone. Thank You for being my strength and my source. Forgive me for the times I try to carry burdens by myself. Teach me to depend on You and to receive the support You provide through others. Help me to be faithful in holding up those who are weary. I trust You to lead me and sustain me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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