The Many Hands

This 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 6 month old granddaughter, their two cats and two dogs. This now makes for 4 people, 7 dogs and 5 cats all residing 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. And as I read about Moses and the task 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.

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

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

Secondly Moses needed help from his family.

Now Jethro the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people, and that the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt....The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening....and Moses' father-in-law said to him, the thing that you are doing is not good. You will surely wear out both yourself and the people with you, for the thing is too heavy for you; you are not able to perform it all by yourself. Listen to me I will counsel you..... Exodus 18:1, 13, 17-18 NIV

Thus 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 unto Moses: Moreover you shall choose able men from all the people--God-fearing men of truth who hate unjust gain--and place them over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, to be their rulers. Exodus 18:21 NIV

Fourthly Moses required help from his friends.

Then came Amalek, descendants of Esau, and fought with Israel at Rephidim. And Moses said to Joshua, choose us out men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand. When Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; and when he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy and grew weary. So the other men took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side and one on the other side; so his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. Exodus 17:8,9,11-12 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 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.

Lynne Phipps Atlin, B.C.