Are there any Amalekites in your life?

 

There is a powerful lesson about prayer in Exodus 17:8-16. Verse 8 says, “Then came Amalek...” These bands of raiders in the desert were the Israelites first adversaries in the wilderness after they left Egypt. The Amalekites were descendants of Esau (Genesis 36:12). They attacked Israel from the rear and were a thorn in their side for many years to come. Amalekites could represent any number of things: problems, troubles, adversaries, headaches–anything that drives us crazy!

Joshua was instructed to gather men to fight while Moses went up on top of a hill to pray and intercede for them. Aaron and Hur went with him. As it turned out, the real battle was not with those fighting in the desert, but rather with the intercessors on the mountain. God gave the victory while Moses prayed and Aaron and Hur held up his arms.

Why does it take us so long to learn that intercessory prayer is far more important than organization, programs, armies, money, or even education? There is nothing more important than intercessory prayer. A praying church, a praying nation, cannot be beaten! All of our victories are prayer victories. You can’t defeat your “Amalekites” without prayer!


The Pastor’s Pocket

Pastor Bruce Freeman

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