Moses first encounter with a lack of water put his life in danger – the people were ready to stone him. So he cried out to God.

Moses prayed earnestly to the Lord and said, “What can I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” – Exodus 17:4 GNT

Leadership puts us in those situations as unfair as they are and doing the right thing still matters.

“One of Moses’ most characteristic and praiseworthy traits was that he took his difficulties to the Lord.” – Kaiser

Whatever I do I need to back it up with some serious prayer and know what that looks like in my community. Joshua was the military man and Moses was the prayer man.

The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, “Pick out some men to go and fight the Amalekites tomorrow. I will stand on top of the hill holding the stick that God told me to carry.” Joshua did as Moses commanded him and went out to fight the Amalekites, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his arms, the Israelites won, but when he put his arms down, the Amalekites started winning. When Moses’ arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur brought a stone for him to sit on, while they stood beside him and held up his arms, holding them steady until the sun went down. In this way Joshua totally defeated the Amalekites. – Exodus 17:8-13 GNT

I like the idea, like Jesus, Moses removes himself from the battle and goes to a quiet place – on top of a hill. Interestingly I note here the obvious perspective that comes from doing this.

Our church has prayer meetings every night of the week during the first week of every month. Few show up. I like to participate because I know it encourages those who come and the pastoral team that host the evening. I think everyone likes the idea of not having to pray alone. I like what I see with Aaron and Hur. They notice the power of prayer, they know they can participate – they do – and the battle is won. Lots of lessons and encouragement here.

The narrative has two morals. Continue to pray, even when weariness and boredom set in. And rely on others to help me pray when I are tempted to quit.

This little verse in the middle of nowhere reminds me to keep it all in perspective especially when I am praying among others.

They cry for help, but God doesn’t answer,
    for they are proud and evil.
It is useless for them to cry out;
    Almighty God does not see or hear them. – Job 35:12-13 GNT

If I am praying using all the right words in hoping to impress God, or if the people that may be praying with me, I should not be surprised when God is not moved.

“For the Word of God is not received by faith if it flits about in the top of the brain, but when it takes root in the depth of the heart . . . the heart’s distrust is greater than the mind’s blindness. It is harder for the heart to be furnished with assurance [of God’s love] than for the mind to be endowed with thought.” ― John Calvin