Moments of weakness are inevitable. Whether physical, emotional or spiritual, weakness is simply part of being human. The question, then, is not whether we’ll experience these moments, but rather what we’ll do in times of weakness. As Christians, we’ve been taught to rely on God’s strength rather than our own to bring us through trials. Yet, we sometimes wrongfully act as if having God’s strength makes us invincible. Just because we live for God doesn’t mean that we’re exempt from moments of weakness. To be human is to sin, and although the Holy Spirit is constantly transforming us into the image of Christ, there will still be times when we fall and need the support of God’s people.
In the book of Exodus, God’s chosen people experience countless moments of weakness as they make their way toward the Promised Land. Even Moses, one of the Bible’s greatest leaders, is subject to his own humanity and finds himself in need of support. In chapter 17, for instance, Israelites are caught in a sudden battle with the Amalekites, a nomadic tribe that had turned from God back in the days of Esau (v.8), but Moses is quick to take action. After commanding his loyal companion, Joshua, to form an army and prepare to fight, Moses heads to the top of a large hill and holds up his staff for all to see (v.9-10). While his arms are raised, the Israelites triumph, but when the staff is lowered, the Amalekites move ahead (v.11). Naturally, Moses’ arms begin to grow tired after a long day of battle. To prevent defeat, his brother, Aaron, and friend, Hur, help Moses keep the staff raised high and ensure victory (v.12-13).
Just because we live for God doesn’t mean that we’re exempt from moments of weakness.
Like the Israelites, we’re bound to face difficulties that will test our strength. When we do, we need to be like Moses and Joshua by taking action and remembering whom it is that we stand for. Moses’ staff presents an excellent visual for this devotion to God. In addition to being an encouraging reminder for the Israelites, this staff symbolizes God’s personal involvement with His people. By raising it high for all to see, Moses is calling out for God’s help and recognizing Him as the only source of victory.
However, even in his righteous actions, Moses’ strength begins to fail. As we can see from his drooping arms, Moses is only human, and moments of weakness are a reality that even he must face. His physical weakness is a symbol of our humanity, a reminder that we can fall, even when doing the work of God.
Leaning on Support
Think of a time when your spiritual life was in the midst of battle. As Christians, we’ve been taught all the right answers. We know that we’re to flee from the evil desires of our hearts and pursue the will of God, but the power of Satan is strong. As Jesus warns in Matthew 26:41, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
It’s times like this when the value of Christian friendship becomes clear. If we wish to succeed, we need to be willing to accept help or encouragement from those who will direct us toward the truth of God. This type of relationship can come in many forms: A parent, youth pastor, teacher or good friend. In moments of weakness, find an Aaron or a Hur to help lift you up, someone with strong Christian faith and spiritual maturity to help guide you. If even Moses needed the help of friends, surely we can open ourselves up to help from others.
Life’s a difficult journey filled with both triumphs and failures, but with the support of fellow believers, our burdens are shared, our spirits are lifted and our focus is maintained even during complicated times.
How to Seek Help From Those You Love
- Make a list of people you would feel comfortable going to in times of weakness or need. When times become tough, refer to your list and reach out.
- Consider someone with a strong faith who will be a mentor for you, someone you can talk to regularly who will pray for you; or find someone who would like to be an accountability partner with you, providing a partnership for the two of you to support each other. To have a successful relationship with a mentor or accountability partner, make sure you’re honest with them, letting them know when you’re struggling so they can lift you up.
- Sometimes things are easier to say in writing. Send an old-fashioned letter to someone you feel close to, even your parents, and let them know that you’re struggling. End your letter with some prayer requests. Email can be another way to share in writing, but remember that emails can be shared with others, so send them only to those you trust, and ask them to keep your message confidential.
- Create a code word, so when you say those words to a close friend, they know that you need their support.
- Reach out to adult leaders in your church. They might be able to provide wisdom by sharing from their own experiences.
- Create a closed social media group of people who are close to one another. Use this space to share struggles and offer encouragement.
