Imagine being an Israelite in the Old Testament. You remember that when Moses’ staff hit the Nile River, the river turned to blood (Exodus 7:20). When Moses’ staff was held over the Red Sea, the sea peeled apart (Exodus 14:21,22)! And when Moses’ staff struck a rock, drinking water flowed (Exodus 17:5,6). The staff was great at water miracles, but now you’re against the Amalekite army. 

As the battle rages, you look up to see Moses, hands held up with the staff! As long as the staff is raised, your sword slays. When the staff falls, so do Israelites next to you. 

It wasn’t the staff in Moses’ hands that won the battle; it was the power of God that won the victory. Moses prayed for help. We pray with hands folded and heads bowed. The Israelites prayed with hands raised and heads lifted up. As long as Moses and the Israelites looked up to God in prayer and trust, they were safe. 

The staff shaped as a cross didn’t do a thing; it was the power of Christ dying upon it. When the battle of your life rages, look up. Look up to Christ on the cross. Look up to him who lost his life so that yours isn’t lost. Look up in prayer. Look up in trust. Raise up to God the words of Psalm 121:1,2: “I lift up my eyes. . . . My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Look up, and don’t give up because Christ fights for you.