Weariness; When Inadequacy is a Gift

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 arms were steady until the going down of the sun.

Exodus 17:12

Somewhere between “Moses! Moses! Take your sandals off your feet” (Exodus 3:4) and “there has not arisen a prophet since in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face” (Deuteronomy 34:10), we find a man desperately inadequate doing a mighty work for God.

Reality confronts Moses in Exodus 17. His people are grumbling, blaming him for their lack of water. He is facing internal strife. Out of nowhere comes an enemy ready for war. He is pressed by external forces. He is without answers.

He is without provision (Exodus 17:1).

He is without a plan (Exodus 17:4).

He is without means to defeat the enemy (Exodus 17:9).

If you know the story, or if you are inclined to read it, you will discover God was the provision, God established the plan and God was about to raise an army.

We have a beautiful picture in Exodus 17 of Moses humbly learning he must wholly depend on God, as he cries to the LORD (vs. 4), as he takes direction (vs. 8) and as he leans on others. Soon after God provides water in the desert, Moses sends young, untested Joshua to battle the Amalek, promising to stand with the staff of God in his hands while Joshua fights. As Moses stands with his hands held up, Israel prevails. As he tires and his hands come down, Amalek prevails. He holds the weight of the battle in those 80 year old aching arms, desperate to know that his leadership is not in vain, that the God who called him does in fact know what He is doing. Doubt and weariness creep in like the pain that permeates up his back and neck and down through his shoulders. Usher in the silent heroes of this battle, Aaron and Hur. They come as God’s provision, bringing a seat for Moses and fresh arms to carry his wearisome burden.

It does not go unnoticed that Moses initially fails to ask for help, that his intention was to stand and hold his arms up on his own strength. Is that not just like us?

This is not the end of Moses’ story, in some ways it is the beginning. Now fully aware of the challenges that await him and the depth of his inadequacy, Moses settles in behind the One who appointed him. Trusting in His provision, His plan and His means, Moses is now confident to do the work he is destined to do, to be a prophet among the nation of Israel, unmatched to this day.

Unlikely vessels to do the LORD’s work, each one of us. Sometimes we are Moses, reluctantly participating in the call God has placed on our lives. Sometimes we are Joshua, ambitious and ready to move. Sometimes we are silent heroes like Aaron and Hur, holding up those who are no longer able to stand on their own strength. Each though, intrinsically necessary.

As you begin to walk in obedience to God’s plan, rest assured that you too will have the opportunity to discover that on your own, you are wholly inadequate to fulfill the call on your life. Grace upon grace, it was never intended that you would walk this road alone. Inadequacy is a gift that reveals to us our dependency on God’s provision and plan.

When you find doubt creeping in know the God who called you will equip you (Philippians 1:6).

When you are untested but ambitious, pause to receive direction (vs. 10).

When it’s your turn to be a silent hero, take a knee in prayer for you are holding the burdens of the weary before a throne of great mercy (Hebrews 4:16).

Take heart, His plan is still the plan (Job 42:2).