At the time of writing this, my husband’s Senate campaign has just wrapped up after months of preparation and hard work.
It will be some time (three to four weeks) before we have an idea of results, but I would like to take a moment to reflect on some thoughts, speaking on behalf of my own experience throughout this campaign.
Endurance is the key
There were many days when I felt strong, energetic and vibrant, heart filled with praise and feet of readiness, prepared to tackle whatever came our way whether it was pre-polling, making and monitoring social media, assisting in press releases, attending functions, letterbox dropping and being present for my family’s needs while continuing to run my business.
Other days I would feel the weight of the battle and the limit of resources, and my physical strength was not so sprightly. Without fail, these were the days we received messages from others, encouraging us with Scripture and prayer. These people were metaphorically holding up our arms, reminding us to keep praising the Father throughout it all.
Others offered to help in practical ways which boosted our spirits and reminded us that we’re in this together and not alone. Encouragement was vital to the longevity of the battle and these moments were a great example of the body of Christ working together.
Never underestimate the power of encouragement
On these days, I found myself thinking of Exodus chapter 17 verses 8 to 16. Moses was leading the Israelites out of Egypt when they were attacked by the Amalekites. As Joshua and his army fought the Amalekites, Moses stood on the top of the hill holding his hands up to God.
“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning” (Exodus chapter 17 verse 11).
Noticing this, Aaron and Hur gave him a stone to sit on and held his hands up “one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword” (verses 12-13).
Together, they worked to bring glory and honour to God the Father with the power of the Spirit of God.
Great challenges require great trust
When God asks us to do things outside of what might seem comfortable or normal to our daily lives, the best thing we can do is say yes, and trust that He will provide what is needed as we tread the path that is before us.
This often requires great courage, but we can be sure that God the Father, who is all-seeing and all-knowing, has already gone before us and knows the path that is good for us to take. And, we know that he works for our good when we trust in Him.
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared” (Exodus chapter 23 verse 20).
We often hold out or look for ‘results’ to be the mark of victory when in actual fact, victory is the process of joining together, the process of standing, the process of being united in a purpose. And often the purpose may be as simple as just being obedient: obedient to the prompting to pray for someone; obedient to being their resource; obedient to walking with others in their journey or in life; and obedient to standing up for something.
‘Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today…The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still”’ (Exodus chapter 14 verse 14).
The helpers
God knows our human strength and resources are limited and so he sends his people to help. These people are heaven-sent and are like a sweet fragrance, sharing and lifting the burden that we are not meant to carry by ourselves.
I encourage you, whenever you feel a prompting in your spirit to pray for someone, don’t be afraid to contact them and let them know. It may just be the encouragement they need to keep going on a hard day, to remind them that they’re not alone and to keep fighting the good fight.
So, I want to say thank you to those who were there for us at the right time. You allowed God to work through you reminding me again that, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians chapter 4 verse 13).
Rebecca and her husband have four children and live on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Rebecca writes for various publications including print, online and commercial. She is the author of two books: ‘First to Forty’ and ‘Pizza and Choir’. For more information you can find Rebecca at: http://www.rebeccamoore.life, Facebook: Rebecca Moore - Author, Instagram: rebeccamoore_author
Rebecca Moore's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/rebecca-moore.html