DO I TACKLE THIS PROBLEM OR DO I PRAY?
While the people of Israel were still at Rephidim, the warriors of Amalek attacked them. Moses commanded Joshua, “Choose some men to go out and fight the army of Amalek for us. Tomorrow, I will stand at the top of the hill, holding the staff of God in my hand.”
Exodus 17:8–9 (NLT)
God led His people into the wilderness, to this very place, and then they were attacked. Doesn’t that feel confusing? Lord, I thought You led me here. I thought You gave me this job. I thought You brought me into this marriage. So why am I in such a battle?
And the question arises: Do I attack the problem, or do I pray?
For Israel, it wasn’t either/or. It was both/and. Joshua went down into the valley with real soldiers to fight a real battle. Moses climbed the mountain to raise the staff of God in prayer. Both mattered. Both were essential.
Some of us are so busy tackling life’s challenges that we have little time for prayer or reading our Bible. Mornings are hectic, evenings are exhausting. We live by our own strength and wisdom and wonder why we are worn out.
Others focus so much on prayer and church activity that we forget to do the good works God has prepared for us. We run to every Bible study, every meeting, every event, but we neglect our responsibilities at home or at work or in the world. Truly godly men and women are not only prayerful, they are faithful in action. They provide for their families. They care for their children or grandchildren. They make a difference at work and in the world. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is skip a meeting and go help someone in need.
This story also reminds us of a few key truths:
- Following God doesn’t mean we won’t face battles. Expect them.
- Victory only comes when we depend on Him in prayer and obedience.
- We all get weary, and sometimes, we need others, like Aaron and Hur, to hold us up in the fight.
APPLICATION: Don’t choose between tackling problems or praying. Do both. Trust God in prayer and then act faithfully where He has placed you. And when you grow weary, invite others to walk and pray with you.
PRAYER: Lord, give me wisdom to know when to fight and when to pray. Teach me to depend on You in every battle and to lean on the support of others when I grow tired.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?