Teamwork Works

“Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, ‘Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.’ So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 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. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.” Exodus 17:8-13

“Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, ‘What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?’ And Moses said, ‘Because the people come to me to inquire of God; when they have a dispute, they come and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.’ [Jethro] said to him, ‘What you are doing is not good. You will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God… and you shall make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. And let them judge the people. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So they will bear the burden with you. If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure.’ So Moses listened and did all that he had said.” Exodus 18:13-24

Some are made to lead nations, some to lead armies. Some are mentors, some teach skills. Some serve with encouragement and mercy, some come alongside with strategy and advice. We are not made to battle in the Christian life alone.

When God calls us to specific roles, He expects us to step up. To lead by strategy or example, with boldness. To fight on the front lines, defending justice, truth, or individuals, with courage. To support in the background with prayer, practical helps, or insight, with ready zeal. And if to delegate, to enlist, implement advice, or obey orders, with willing humility. (Romans 12:3-8)

Where has God appointed me to serve, and how eagerly do I take on His assignments? Will I gratefully fulfill my function not above, or below, but alongside His team?

Father, fit me, fill me, to serve Your purposes. May I willingly and honorably do my part.