Don't be Alone

     The walk with God does not have to be alone. Jesus did not say, "figure it out on your own." What is the point of the church? What is the point of true friends? In 1Thessalonians 5:11 it says, "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing" (ESV). Paul writing this understood the importance of fellowship with other believers. Reading through Exodus and something stood out to me that I never noticed before. In Exodus chapter 17, towards the end of the chapter, it is the story of when Israel fought the Amaleks and Moses' hands got weary. He got naturally tired of holding his hands. So, we see that Aaron and Hur help him out. They did not make fun of him nor did they tell him, "Man come on! Are you really that weak? Come on brother, Israel is suffering because of you!" No! We do not see that happening at all. They actually took him and made him sit on a rock. Then, Hur took one hand and Aaron the other and helped Moses keep those hands up till victory. Yes, Moses was a leader, but he also needed that support. When I see my friend struggling or in need or grow weary, I cannot bash out at him. I cannot pick him, but lift him up. Just like what Paul says. In the following chapter we see that Jethro who is Moses' father-in-law, gives advice to him. He tells Moses how it is impossible to judge the people all alone, you need others who will help and make the burden lighter. Exodus 18:17-18/22-23 "Moses' father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone." 22nd: "And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you." 23rd: "If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace." Long text, but it was worth mentioning. I cannot fight on my own and walk alone. We find this conformation in Acts chapter 2 after the Holy Spirit came down to them. They were in constant fellowship, prayer, breaking of the bread, hearing Gods word. It literally says that "they devoted themselves" to the fellowship. If we are devoted Christians, we will do everything for Him. We will help others that are in need. Let us not only see the spiritual and physical need around us but let us actually do something about it. God is with us so who can be against us? Who is strong and has more power than our God? That is the God we serve, so let us have honor and fear before Him. Build and encourage one another up.