The Many Hands

Last summer, my daughter and her husband came to a momentous decision. They purchased a business here in our small town, and decided to move in with me. Along with them came my six-month-old granddaughter, their two cats, and two dogs. This now makes for four people, seven dogs, and five cats all living in the same residence.

When I contemplated this new venture in my life and reviewed all that I would be doing, with the added task of babysitting, along with my regular jobs, chores, and interests, I wondered how I would ever do it all and stay healthy and sane. Interestingly enough, however, I was also coming to the book of Exodus in my Scripture readings. As I read about Moses and the task that God called him to, I have learned the secrets of being successful in what God has called me to do.

When God called Moses to his task of leading the people out of Egypt to the Promised Land, Moses needed much help. First and foremost, he needed God and His help and direction.

Exodus 3:11-12a – But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" And God said, "I will be with you." (NIV)

Moses knew that this task was beyond him. He needed help from on high if it were ever to succeed.

Secondly, Moses needed help from his family.

Exodus 18:1,13,17-19a – Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, heard of everything God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, and how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice." (NIV)

Then Jethro instructed Moses how to set up a judicial system for the entire community of Israelites.

Thirdly, Moses needed help from the community. Jethro said to Moses:

Exodus 18:21 – Select capable men from all the people — men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain — and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. (NIV)

Fourthly, Moses required help from his friends.

Exodus 17:8-9,11-12 – The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands." 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. (NIV)

God, family, community, friends, one and all were needed to bring about the victory for Moses and the people of Israel in their new venture. Likewise, it is for us amidst many of the tasks that God calls us to. We all need a little help now and then, and sometimes, a lot of help. So, let's remember, we don't need to do it all by ourselves. God has given us many helping hands, including His own, if we are humble and wise enough to accept them.

Prayer: Father God, thank You so much for the helping hands that surround us. May we be humble and wise enough to know when to ask for help, and turn to those whom You have placed around us to lend us a hand. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

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