Two Biblical Friends Every Leader Needs Everyday

God, You Want Me to Do What?

Moses was an incredible leader. He wasn’t perfect or always confident, but he was faithful. God used him to guide the sizable Hebrew nation out from under Pharaoh’s hand. Their wilderness adventures were less than spectacular most days, but God kept demonstrating His greatness and goodness at critical times. And, he built up Moses as a leader in surprising ways.

Remember what happened in Exodus 17 when the Israelites started complaining about not having any water? Moses went before the Lord, asked for help, was instructed to strike the rock, and water miraculously flowed out! It was a clear sign to everyone that God was still present and providing. They desperately needed their spirits lifted during this difficult time. It makes sense that Moses was deeply encouraged by this as well.

Surprise! You Aren’t as Strong as You Thought

If you keep reading, the next section in Scripture identifies something else Moses needed. Exodus 17:8-16 describes an intense scene. There’s a very real battle going on between the people of Israel and Amalek. Joseph, a leader who grew up in Moses’ shadow, spearheaded the charge and the Hebrew army prevailed…at least for a while.

As long as Moses’ kept his arms and the staff of God held high, Israel had the upper hand (no pun intended). Whenever Moses’ arms dropped, the Israelites suffered losses. However, when Aaron and Hur kept his arms up, the battle went the other way for God’s people.

Moses must have felt terrible as he recognized that his weakness could negatively impact the battle’s outcome. It must have been painful to watch God’s people suffer defeat until Aaron and Hur stepped in to offer support. It’s no wonder that Moses built an altar and named it, “The Lord is my banner” (Ex. 17:15). When his hands were raised high toward heaven, on his own or with Aaron and Hur’s help, something supernatural happened.

Ultimately it was God who won the day, but Moses learned a key leadership lesson along the way. Every leader needs to be surrounded by people who serve as Aaron and Hur. Everyday life is hard. Everyday ministry seems to be even harder. It doesn’t matter if your primary place of service is in your church, children’s ministry, home, or community, you need godly people who come alongside you as a leader to lift you up.

Who’s Your Aaron & Hur?

What are the names of 2-5 people that love you as a leader whether things are going great or terribly? Do you have permission from them to keep their names on speed-dial on your phone? When is the last time you reached out to one or more of them for prayer, a pat on the back, or a shoulder to cry on? Better yet, who are the people who are close enough to you that they don’t have to ask if you need help, they just step right in?

It’s not easy for leaders to admit they have needs. However, when everyday life is happening, the people following are watching and waiting to serve. Maybe the opportunity you can offer up is a chance to help you raise your hands toward heaven. Imagine what God could do through three, not just one, of you.