“As long as Moses held up the staff with his hands, the Israelites had the advantage.” Exodus 17:11
It is that time of the year for my husband when things become a little more intense in his job. The hours away become longer, the stress intensifies; the amount of film to watch doubles, the competitors get tougher, and the stakes become higher. You either win or go home. To most it is known as playoffs, but to me it is known as the Battle of the Amalekites.
This battle began two years ago when my husband’s football team began advancing further in the playoffs. As I was studying one morning, I began to feel the Lord impress on my heart to really intercede in prayer for Garrett and the team. I had never prayed diligently for victory I just prayed for safety and a good season. But this time the Lord asked differently of me. So much He led me to Exodus 17 and told me I would be the one to hold up the arms of my husband as he and the rest of the army (football team) fought every Friday. At that point I had no idea what the outcome would be, but I knew it would require obedience on my part, faith on my husband’s part, and continual steadfast prayer because the battle is long leaving us weary, exhausted and our arms heavy.
“While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek came to fight against them. Moses commanded Joshua, ‘Call the Israelites to arms, and fight the army of Amalek. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.’ So Joshua did what Moses had commanded. He led his men out to fight the army of Amalek. Meanwhile Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff with his hands, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites gained the upper hand. Moses’ arms finally became too tired to hold up the staff and y longer. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side, holding up his hands until sunset. As a result, Joshua and his troops were able to crush the army of Amalek. Then the Lord instructed Moses, ‘Write this down as a permanent record, and announce it to Joshua: I will blot out every trace of Amalek from under heaven.’ Moses built an altar there and called it ‘The Lord is my Banner.’ He said, ‘They have dared to raise their fist against the Lord’s throne, so now the Lord will be at war with Amalek generation after generation.” Exodus 17:8-16
I know it might sound crazy, it did to my family and even Garrett at first, but the outcome in 2008 quickly changed their minds when Carthage won their first State Championship. I remember telling Garrett the night God laid it on my heart and I remember telling him "Get your arms up" and I will be there to hold them up and intercede in prayer. He did just that and so did the defense. Since then in 2008 they have won another State Championship and are on their way once again. God is SO good and when we are obedient to Him, He does GREAT things. He not only does great things, He even works in our hearts opening our eyes to realize what is the most important, and though championships are great, trophies are cool, and the rings are awesome, they are all temporary, and the satisfaction only lasts a little while. The most important thing is that God is glorified, praised, and receives all the attention, otherwise all the fighting and holding up of arms is in vain.
Besides learning true obedience and a deeper faith, God taught Garrett and I one of the most important lessons in 2008-we are in this profession for no other reason than to save souls, glorify God and to put our eyes on the real Head Coach-Jesus Christ who will always be victorious. Win or lose I know God is able to do more than I could ever dare to ask or hope for, and I will continue to believe in His Sovereignty, I will continue to believe and pray for souls to be saved, and I will keep holding up the arms of my husband as he enters the battle year after year until the final victory is won-the victory of Christ's return.
Prayer: Lord two years ago You taught Garrett and I that it is not about the trophy or rings, it is about the souls of the athletes. Lord it is those souls we are fighting for. It is the saving of souls that makes Garrett raise his arms and it is those very souls that encourage me to help keep Garrett’s arms up. Thank You Lord, may You be glorified in every win and every loss. Most of all Lord use us to build a team of students who know You, serve You and love You. Amen
