"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." Exodus 17:11 NLT
Moses' staff (the staff of God used to part the sea) raised toward heaven was symbolic of prayer and dependence on God. As the Israelites had needed God's power to open the sea and deliver them from the Egyptians so now they needed God's power to give them victory over the Amalekites. As Moses remained strong in prayer the Israelites prevailed. When Moses' wearied and became slack in prayer the tide turned against them. Aaron and Hur came alongside Moses to help him hold his arms up in prayer and "As a result, Joshua and his troops were able to crush the Army of Amalek" (Exodus 13:13 NLT).
We must learn that spiritual victories are won by spiritual power. We defeat our enemies and live victoriously when we learn to persevere in prayerful dependence on God. "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places....Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere" (Ephesians 6:12, 18 NLT). Keep on praying.
Father, I am so foolish to struggle in my own strength against enemies that You alone can defeat. I long to become more prayerfully dependent on You that I might walk in the victory that You desire. Remind me to pray when the enemy attacks and give me strength to persevere in prayer until the victory is won.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
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Good Morning Pastor Mark, Again the Lord has open the door for me to speak to the ladies in prison. These ladies are considered the bottom of bottom in their behavior. At first I was a liitle intimadated, but God reminded me that I will not be going in my own (inadequate) strength but in the power of His spirit and His word. He led me to read Ephesians 6 also. Knowing who my enemy is reminded me that I must fight with spiritual weapons and not carnal methods. So with that in mind I will go, knowing that the battle is not mine but the Lord's. Thank you for the confirmation. Love in Christ Francie
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