"When Moses' hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat down on it. Then Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down." Exodus 17:12 (HSCB)

We were sitting in gray chairs next to white walls, listening to the hum of the air-conditioning unit. My legs crossed. His arms folded.

The memories of 12 years of arguments flashed before my eyes. The pride, the anger, the selfishness, the cold silence.

How does happily ever after end up like this? And when did we decide we couldn't ask for help?

I know how and when. It happened when we decided to stuff our feelings and put Band-Aids over deep wounds because it seemed more visually appealing than an exposed injury.

Years had passed, and we kept going until neither of us could take it any longer.

And now we sit in these gray chairs next to these white walls. Our last effort. The words I couldn't say all those years before spill from my lips ... "We just need help."

Help is offered, and I can finally breathe again. It was almost too late ...

A few days later, I got one of those early morning phone calls. The kind of early morning call you know once you answer, your life will never be the same. An attempted suicide from someone close.

A soul who also wasn't able to say, "I need help." And I'm troubled by another almost too late cry for help I had no idea was being stifled.

Each day we pass by people who, like Moses, are becoming incredibly weary.

Moses was in the midst of a battle for the Lord. With the staff of God in his hand, he noticed that each time he let his arms down, the enemy advanced. But each time he held his arms up, the Israelite army advanced.

Moses had to keep his arms up for the victory, but he eventually grew weary and couldn't do it on his own. Two people came alongside Moses to hold up his arms for just a little longer, and the Israelites defeated the Amalekites.

Two things challenge me from this story:

1. The ability to say, "I just need help."

The Bible doesn't say Moses asked for help, but I imagine he did - either verbally or with a "Come here, come quick!" look or motion with his head. Contrary to what my soul screams, these are not words of weakness, but rather strength. They mean I'm not ready to give up: I want to keep going. I just need a little help. Vulnerability is one of the first things we look for in other people but the last thing we are willing to show ourselves.

2. The ability to see those around me who need me to help hold up their arms.

Maybe one of the greatest prayers we can pray is to ask God to show us who it is that needs help ... our help. Sure it's risky to stand beside people who are ready to give up, but I believe this is one of the greatest opportunities for our own personal growth. Compassion is a powerful form of strength.

I want to be a woman who lives to see victory in others and myself. When my arms feel heavy, I want to ask for help. And when I see others' arms falling, I want to quickly look for stones I can place under them.

Dear God, help us to be willing to say those words, "I need help" more freely in our lives ... to You, and to others. Thank You for the grace You have given us through Jesus for today, tomorrow and the days to come. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

***

TRUTH FOR TODAY:

Philippians 2:4, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (ESV)

RELATED RESOURCES:

Dr. Kim Kimberling's new book, 7 Secrets to an Awesome Marriage: Strengthen Your Most Intimate Relationship, can help you make your marriage into what you want it to be.

Are you a leader whose group is about to give up on something or someone? Nicki Koziarz has a powerful message for your group called, "The 5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn't Quit." For information on booking Nicki to speak at your next event, click here.

REFLECT AND RESPOND:

Why do you think it's so hard for us to ask for help? Let's discuss this today in the comments section.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Call a trusted friend, or get in touch with a counselor who can walk you through difficulties. Help is available!

© 2015 by Nicki Koziarz. All rights reserved.