Upheld

Being a new mother is tough. I knew it well at one point (actually at three separate points) but over time I’ve forgotten. It’s amazing how memory has washed away the monotonous unpleasantness, leaving me with rose-colored snippets of raising my own children. I’ve had the immense privilege of walking with my daughter through the better part of the first two weeks of her firstborn’s life so far. I’ve been able to love my little girl as she pours herself out for my grandson. I’ve been so impressed by the unity with which she and her husband have managed this entire pregnancy, but I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve them in this season.

The Israelites entered the wilderness after what surely felt like a narrow escape from Egypt. They had no sooner celebrated the demise of Pharoah’s army than they began to complain. “No water, no meat, no bread,” they cried. And God provided every time. He gave them the Sabbath for rest and to teach them to trust Him. Then the Amalekites showed up. God has led them around the long way once already to keep them from running into an enemy and giving up. Now what?

“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.”

Exodus 17:8-12 NIV

https://bible.com/bible/111/exo.17.8-12.NIV

Moses carried the staff of God to the top of that hill with a view of the battle. I can see him standing with arms raised petitioning Almighty God for victory while cheering Joshua on in battle. I wonder when he realized what was happening. God allowed the enemy to advance each time Moses’s arms drooped. But Moses wasn’t alone. Aaron and Hur were there, literally his right and left hand man. They brought a stone for him to sit on and each one supported his arms until Israel was victorious!

Over the past two weeks, I’ve seen my daughter and her husband give their all for their new little one, entrusted to them by God. They’ve been sleep deprived, missed meals, and set aside everything to care for their son. Dad only had one week before he needed to return to work, so he’s welcomed me into their home to minister to my daughter in his absence. It’s my privilege to serve them in this season because I have this time with my very first grandchild, but more than that, I’ve been able to handle simple everyday tasks, allowing them to sleep when they can, eat when they must, all while keeping their sanity! Am I sleepy too? Of course! But I can go home to my husband and the dogs and rest anytime! Today I choose to stand by their side and support them any way I can. I’m relying on the kind of strength that only God can give! He made me a night owl, and it comes in quite handy every now and then! And trust me, I get the bigger blessing!

“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”

Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV

https://deuteronomy.bible/deuteronomy-33-27

Thank you, Father God, for nights spent rocking my precious grandson while my children sleep. Thank you for a husband who works to make it possible for me to be here and who has always supported me when I felt the call to stay home with our children. This season is so very short in retrospect! May you bless this little family with good health, especially during the pandemic as Daddy goes to work each day to care for the sick. Show each of us, Lord Jesus, how we can serve those You’ve placed in our homes, our families, our communities, and our world for Your glory. In Your holy name I pray. Amen.