Aaron and Hur
- Cathrine Schmelzer
- Jun 14, 2024
- 3 min read
“We are equipped with a community of people - our family, mom friends, people at church - to hold up our arms when the enemy is prevailing.”
“Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.” Exodus 17:11-12
Motherhood can be demanding, backbreaking, and wearisome. Some days, it feels like fighting a battle you aren’t ready for. Maybe you’re not literally being attacked by an enemy nation, but have you ever spent a day with a toddler? You’re left beaten down, humbled, overwhelmed, and exhausted.
It could be that your kids are a little older now, and you’re navigating those difficult teen years.
It could be that your kids are grown, but that brings a whole new set of difficulties and worries.
Or maybe it’s just that you have to balance motherhood with work, marriage and everything else.
No matter what season you’re in or what God has called you to do, He also equips you for all the battles you face. In my opinion, one of the most under-utilized resource given for motherhood is other people. God doesn’t give us children, and all the challenges that come with them, and then leave us to do it all alone. We are equipped with a community of people - our family, mom friends, people at church - to hold up our arms when the enemy is prevailing.
When Moses was fighting Amalek, he had to keep his arms raised or his enemy would prevail. But God sent him help. God equipped Moses for the job he was called to do. Aaron and Hur - family members of Moses - were there to help. They made sure Moses had a place to sit when he grew weary, and when Moses felt like he couldn’t go on any longer, they held up his hands for him.
Comparing this story to motherhood is a little dramatic, I know. But it paints a beautiful picture of how God equips His people by giving them other people as supports. You aren’t alone in this world. Mom friend, I urge you to use the equipment God has provided you, and encourage other mom friends to do the same. Without each other, the enemy wins.
Action Steps:
What is your “Amalek”? What do you need help with? What challenges are too much for you?
Who is your “Aaron and Hur”? Who do you call on when motherhood is hard? Who has God provided in your life?
If relying on your community is difficult for you, take baby steps. Start by spending more time with friends and family. Let them know you’re finding motherhood difficult, even if you don’t ask for help. When help is offered, accept. Remember, God put these people in your life as resources, equipping you for motherhood.
Prayer: God, I’m so grateful that You don’t leave me alone here on this earth to be lost and exhausted. You equip me to face the challenges of motherhood. Send me my own “Aaron and Hur”, or reveal who You’ve already sent to me. Thank You so much for all the love You give. In Jesus’s name I pray, amen.
Written by Cathrine, equipped mom of 4