Battle in the Valley and on the Hill

While Joshua went down into the valley to lead the fight against the Amalekites, Moses, Aaron and Hur went up on the mountain to lead a different type of battle. The Bible records it this way. Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, choose some men and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand. So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron and Hur went up to the top of the hill. (Exodus 17:8-10). While Joshua led the physical fight, Moses led the spiritual fight…but he didn’t do it alone. He needed the help of others. Moses hands became heavy so they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it.  Aaron and Hur supported His hands one on one side and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun (verse 12). Joshua prevailed because Moses and others faithfully prayed.

The company I serve is blessed to have a prayer team. The team consists of more than fifty people who have agreed to pray for colleagues during times of need. As events unfold, with the employee’s permission, one of the Chaplains emails the prayer team with the specific need and the battle begins! When a colleague is battling in the valley (depression, cancer, loss of loved one, a broken marriage, etc.,), the prayer team is fighting the spiritual battle “on the mountain”.

Perhaps you find yourself doing battle today. You’ve been diagnosed with cancer, your spouse abandoned you, depression or addiction has a tight grip on you. Whatever your battle, this is not a time to fight alone. Recognize God’s presence and ask for His help. He will guide you toward peace and hope in the midst of your crisis. But don’t stop there…be willing to ask others to go on the mountain and pray for you. There are prayer warriors who want to fight on your behalf. Ask them! On the other hand, you might know someone at work who is down and out…in a valley. Ask if you can pray for them. Even better, ask if you can gather a few folks at work to intercede with you. Moses ascended the hill to pray and he didn’t do it alone. Neither should we.

Consider creating a prayer team among believers in your workplace. Together, be willing to intercede for those walking through a valley. If you’re the one in the valley, know that God is present with you. Ask others to do spiritual battle on your behalf. The Bible says the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their prayers (I Peter 3:12). God hears the prayers of His people so make today count for His Glory and for your good.

by,
Charles Ligon