You’ve Got a Friend in Me

I’ve heard it said that in the cookie of life, friends are the chocolate chips. This rings true in my life. I’m thankful to have girlfriends that hit their knees when I hit a wall. I do the same for them. We have each other’s backs through thick and thin. 

Moses had some friends that had his back in hard times too. After the Lord delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, they spent 40 years in the desert. During that time God provided for them miraculously and practically. One practical way God moved was through His people. Much like today. 

Moses was God’s chosen leader, but many others were used as well. We see this demonstrated in Exodus 17 when a savage, nomadic tribe called the Amalekites attacked the Israelites. The Amalekites lived in in the desert region near the Dead Sea and were quick to destroy anyone who got in their space. I imagine that when they went into battle with the Israelites, they had no idea that if they messed with Moses and his traveling companions, they were messing with the all-powerful, unstoppable army of the Lord!

Here’s the way it went down… 

“The Amalekites came and attacked the Israelites at Rephidim. Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands.’

 So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword” (Exodus 17:8-13, NIV). 

This enemy was defeated because a group of like-minded believers stuck together and took action. A community of friends and family rallied… grabbing a stone for their friend and hunkering down beside him during the battle. Held his hands up for hours. And didn’t leave his side until the conflict was over.

Most of these Israelites weren’t warriors - they were just like you and me - people of trade, fresh from captivity, and hopeful for a bright future. Normals, not heroes. 

They didn’t win this battle because of their amazing war skills. They won this battle because they did what God told them to do. They had access to God, they looked to Him for help, and they worked together on behalf of His people.

Like the Israelites, you and I have full access to God and can ask Him for help in times of trouble. 

We can also partner with believers to win battles and achieve great things.

When the enemy attacks hard I need reliable friends who have my back and are willing to do battle on my behalf, like Moses had. Likewise, when my friends or church leaders are in the thick of it, they need me to join them in the battles. As an elder’s wife, I’ve felt the strain that church leaders feel constantly and cannot overstate the importance of lifting our pastors and women’s ministry leaders up in prayer. 

We get attacked on all fronts: emotionally, relationally, socially, and financially.  

Lies assault us, toxic conversations break us down, temptations vie for our honor… the list is endless. Every conflict we face has a spiritual component. And when these attacks come our way it’s essential that we surround ourselves, and our friends, with prayer. 

Taking a cue from Moses, I see an opportunity. Why don’t you and I choose a few friends to do prayer-battle with today… and also choose a few to pray for that are close to you, but far from God? 

Let’s move forward with our eyes wide open to the invisible attacks coming our way and partner up with one or a few who will join us in pulling up a stone, holding each other’s hands up, and bending knees low.  

Dear Lord, You are my Refuge, my Help and my Hope. I’m grateful that when my days are filled with battles You are right beside me – and that You’ve given me friends to join me on the front lines. Please open my eyes to see the needs around me and to step up as a friend.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

~ Gwen Smith is an author, speaker, co-founder of Girlfriends in God and host of the Graceologie podcast.