The Upper Room devotional reflection for Wednesday, May 25, 2022 comes to us from Sue A. Fairchild of Pennsylvania
10 So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses' hands grew weary; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; so his hands were steady until the sun set. 13 And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the sword.
Exodus 17:10-13 NIV
“Held in Prayer”
My father taught me the value of self-sufficiency: “The best job is one you do yourself.” He rarely hired a contractor or asked for help in all the work he did around his home. I took this teaching into other areas of my life, including dealing with stress and grief. I didn’t need anyone. I could do everything myself. When my mother was near death, I held on to this concept by dealing with the caregiving and grief alone. However, I did ask my church group for prayer.
As time passed and my mom continued to decline, I found that asking for prayer was vital to my health and well-being. The group’s prayers held me aloft, not physically in the way Aaron and Hur supported Moses, but spiritually. When they called to the Lord on my behalf, I felt supported. After my mother died, many in my prayer group came to the service, sent cards, and offered hugs. In addition, they held me in prayer for months to come. I thought I could handle even the most difficult grief by myself, but those prayers held me up, offering me strength when I had none of my own
Friends –
I agree with Sue A. Fairchild’s father that a strong work ethic is very important; it even shows great faithfulness to God. While this is true, it is also true that there are many times in our lives that we need love and support from those whom God has placed in our lives. So, like Sue A. Fairchild, we can accomplish a lot through hard work, we will always also need others around us to help in many ways, including lifting us in prayer. That is one of God’s greatest gifts to us.
--Pastor bea
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of prayer and friendship. Thank you for reminding us that we do not have to do everything alone. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
--Sue A. Fairchild
Prayer Focus:
Someone who supports me with Prayer
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Thought for the Day:
It’s okay to ask for help.