“Amalek came and fought Israel at Rephidim. Moses ordered Joshua: “Select some men for us and go out and fight Amalek. Tomorrow I will take my stand on top of the hill holding God’s staff.” Joshua did what Moses ordered in order to fight Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. It turned out that whenever Moses raised his hands, Israel was winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, Amalek was winning. But Moses’ hands got tired. So, they got a stone and set it under him. He sat on it and Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on each side. So, his hands remained steady until the sun went down. Joshua defeated Amalek and its army in battle.” (Exodus 12:8-16 The Message)
I was talking with a contractor the other day and he shared how he likes to do things that he sets out to do and often refuses the help. He shared a story that softened his perspective on offered help. One day, while performing his work, he fell from a ladder and seriously injured his ribs on the right side of his body. His wife took care of him through the healing process, which was expedited because of the help she provided. he learned to appreciate others when they offered help, especially out of love and concern.
I could identify with this entrepreneur’s “I got this” frame of mind that he had before he learned how to appreciate others’ offers to help. Being transparent, at times I’m like he was before he learned the value of the help. Thinking it through I realized that there are many reasons why we refuse help. In school, from the earliest age, we are taught to “Do your own work.” We were indoctrinated in self-achievement in our classrooms, with the exception of a few group assignments. We were instructed to be the best we could be and to take pride in the grades we earned by means of our laborious efforts. Years past my formal education days, I was among those professionals who tried to demonstrate our individual competencies so that we could climb the ladder of success and reap the compensation that increased at every rung. For some of us, we refused help because we didn’t want to admit we needed help. It was a “man thing” typically, but not exclusively. Right? For others, refusing help was caused by a trust issue with the help.
As I continued my thoughts on why we refuse help, I came up with two more reasons. Sometimes we don’t want to admit that the help is needed because of fear of being labeled a failure or lacking in ability. Then, at times we have a “sandbox mentality” and we don’t want anyone getting in our sandbox. Excuse my language, but “y’all” know what I mean.
After thinking for a while, I concluded that my thinking is never enough. Psychological and sociological explanations are also never enough. So, I decided to look God’s word and I found the passage above. This is what I saw in the passage. (1) Moses was in charge, but his position did not exempt him from needing help. (2) The help, Aaron and Hur, were not told by Moses not to accompany him to the top of the hill. Even if the help was merely moral support, Moses did not send back the help. He did not say, “I got this.” (3) The help was not asked to help. The help took the actions that they knew would help. (4) The help was key in getting the victory right at the moment help was needed.
Back to my contractor. He was installing blinds at our church. I told him I could take the drapery rods and curtains down. He said, “You don’t have to do that.” Guess what? I did it anyway. I’m sure that it helped. He was appreciative. The help helped.
In your family situations, in your job settings, in other kinds of spaces, you will perhaps need help. Don’t be afraid to accept the help. On the other side of the coin, when you see you can be of assistance, be the help. You just might help someone see the importance of “the help” and your assistance may help a person achieve their objective, goal, or task.
Finally, remember we always have “The Help” and we should rely on Him at all times. Enjoy your worship experience this morning. Be blessed!
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 KJV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King