“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning.”
— Exodus 17:11

Have you ever found yourself in a season of life you weren’t expecting?

Things didn’t go as planned. Circumstances changed. Life happened. Suddenly, you were facing challenges or carrying responsibilities you never anticipated.

In those seasons, it can be difficult to know what to do. You may feel as though you need to stay strong for everyone around you—even when you are tired, overwhelmed, or unsure of what comes next.

Exodus 17 gives us a beautiful picture of perseverance and the importance of allowing others to help us persevere.

When Moses Became Tired

As Israel fought against the Amalekites, Moses stood on a hill holding up the staff of God. As long as his hands remained raised, the Israelites were winning. But whenever he lowered them, the Amalekites began to prevail.

Eventually, Moses grew tired.

Moses was faithfully doing what God had called him to do, but he still became weary. His exhaustion wasn’t evidence that he lacked faith or had failed. He was human, and he couldn’t continue carrying the responsibility alone.

Aaron and Hur recognized what was happening. They placed a stone beneath Moses so he could sit down. Then they stood beside him—one on each side—and held up his hands until the battle was won.

They didn’t criticize Moses for becoming tired. They didn’t simply tell him to try harder. They stepped closer and helped carry the weight.

Ministry Was Never Meant to Be Done Alone

Children’s ministry is filled with incredible joy. We get to help children know Jesus, learn His Word, and understand that they are seen, valued, and loved.

But ministry can also be heavy.

There are lessons to prepare, volunteers to support, families to serve, safety decisions to make, and countless details that most people never see. Sometimes the needs of ministry also meet the challenges of our personal lives.

In those seasons, it can be tempting to believe that good leaders should be able to handle everything. We may feel pressured to remain strong, have all the answers, and keep everything moving forward.

But Scripture gives us a different picture: even faithful leaders need people who will stand beside them.

I am incredibly thankful for my children’s ministry team. They don’t simply fill positions or complete tasks. They serve faithfully, love children deeply, encourage families, and carry the mission of the ministry alongside me. Their presence reminds me that this calling was never intended to rest on one person’s shoulders.

The Gift of Trusted Prayer Partners

I am also deeply thankful for the trusted prayer partners God has placed in my life.

They listen and speak truth when I need it, remind me of God’s faithfulness, and bring my needs before the Lord. They may not be able to change what I am facing, but they remind me that I am not facing it alone.

Sometimes holding up someone’s arms looks like sending an encouraging message. Sometimes it means stepping in to complete a task, listening to a heavy heart, or praying faithfully when there are no easy answers.

Those prayers and acts of support may never be seen publicly, but they are part of the foundation beneath everything God is doing.

Let Others Stand Beside You

When we are accustomed to caring for others, allowing someone else to care for us can feel uncomfortable. But receiving help isn't a weakness. It is part of living in a biblical community.

Let trusted people know when you are weary. Let your ministry team serve alongside you. Let your prayer partners intercede for you. God may not immediately remove the battle, but He often provides people who will stand beside us in the middle of it.

This passage also invites us to ask, “Whose arms can I help hold up today?”

Sometimes we are Moses, needing others to support us. Sometimes we are Aaron or Hur, offering strength to someone else. In a healthy Christian community, we will experience both.

If you are walking through an unexpected season, keep your eyes on Jesus. Keep praying and holding up your hands in faith. When you become too weary to hold them up alone, remember that you were never expected to.

Keep trusting. Keep praying. Keep serving. Keep holding on.

The battle belongs to the Lord—and we were never meant to fight it alone.

Melia Warren has dedicated over 20 years to full-time children’s ministry and resides in McMinnville, TN. Her passion lies in working with children and families, sharing Christ's love, and fostering spiritual growth through discipleship. She delights in celebrating God’s work, experiencing profound joy by saying yes to Jesus, and spreading His love. Melia treasures connecting with others and welcomes the opportunity to pray with or for you—reach out to her at melia@fbcmcminnville.com.