Holding Each Other Up

A while back, I was reading in Exodus. I was reading about how Joshua defeated the Amalekites. The scripture talks about how Moses told to Joshua to fight while Moses stood on top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands to God, they were winning, but when he was tired and started lowing his hands, they started losing the battle. It goes on to stay that when he became too tired to continue holding up his hands, they sat a stone under him and then Aaron & Hur held up his hands, each on one side so that his hands remained steady until sunset and the battle was won.

As I read that sometime back, it reminded me of close friendships. And how when we think we can't stand any longer, or endure any more, good friends are there to support you and fight for you when you have no fight left in you.

I was reminded of that again today as our staff spoke words of encouragement and blessing upon a great leader and even greater friend Jon Mullican. Highland Oaks has gone through a battle over the last almost 14 months. We have faced many trials and challenges and I am thankful to say we are now on the upside of those battles and God is blessing our church family tremendously with a new student minister, Mark Hadley and a wonderful new preaching minister Pat Bills.

While blessings are flowing freely at this point in our church family, great trials have been endured to get us to this point. I was reminded today of Moses and the strength & suffering he had to endure during the battle with the Amalekites. During that time Moses continually looked up to God and continually raised his hands to God for the sake of those around him; for the sake of the battle.

I feel Jon Mullican has done the same thing for the Highland Oaks church family. Jon has stood in the line of fire for this family, Jon has endured much pain and personal sacrifice for the sake of this family. He has done it all willingly and with his hands raised high to God above. And when he couldn't hold his hands up any longer God sent those who love Jon to be there to help him. He has been a rock. Jon has been there every step of the way through the attacks that have been hurled at God's church and God's people. He has stood between us and the enemy and has continued to keep his hands lifted up to the one who could help him endure.

Some will never know the sacrifices that Jon & his family have endured for the sake of Christ. He would never tell you about them. But, Jon has shown us that the Lord truly is our banner. And that God will overcome when our hands are lifted to Him.

I am very grateful & blessed to be able to work with a man named Jon Mullican. I am even more blessed to call him friend. And I am grateful to have someone like Jon who is willing to stand up on the hill and lift his hands to the Lord to protect us and help us win the battle.

Blessings!

but those who hope in the Lord will renew
their strength. They will soar on wings like
eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:31