The Value of Community in Times of Pressure

Support and Strength from Community

There is an interesting leadership story in the book of Exodus, it tells of Moses and the people he was leading engaged in a battle. As long as Moses held up his arms they would win but if he dropped them they would lose: 

"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.  So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword."

Exodus 17:11-13 NIV

It’s an interesting story, but I find it serves as a picture. It shows the value of having people around you to strengthen you in times of pressure. In your work, there will be times that you come under pressure. I encourage you to build support into work life, your departments, and teams. You will need to invest in some relational equity so that it is available for withdrawal when needed. Aaron and Hur could not take his seat but they could hold up his arms to ensure victory. Your team can strengthen you in the middle of the battle. 

Prayer Partners

You can find a term in the bible called: intercession. Intercession is prayer on behalf of someone else. I am thankful for people who pray for me in times of pressure. My church community has been so valuable to me in this way. It is a source of strength and inspiration. When people pray, God moves.  Peter was freed from prison as the church prayed for him. 

"So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him."

Acts 12:5 NIV

Through prayer, God sends an angel to help Peter and release him from his incarceration. 

Accountability

In times of great pressure and stress, it is important to have an inner circle. An inner circle is committed to you and will be present and accessible during the most difficult seasons of your life. An inner circle provides strength, support, and accountability. Jesus had 12 disciples but 3 of them were closer than the others.  Peter, James and John were an inner circle.  They were present at the lowest (the garden of gethsemane) and highest moments (transfiguration) of Jesus’ life.  

 An inner circle that provides honest and safe feedback and can keep you accountable to the values you want to live by. These people should be trusted advisors that you permit to speak to you with honesty.  They don’t have any underhand motives, they just want you to operate in the fullness of God’s promise for your life.   

 If you need to develop a godly community in your life, committing to a local church is a great place to start. If you are looking for like-minded Godly business people, look into joining or starting a marketplace ministry.