We’re continuing the “Jelly and Jam” series, talking about what to do when life puts us in a jam. Many of us may be there now…tired, frustrated, and worn down by parenting struggles, financial pressure, work stress, health battles, or broken relationships. You may feel stuck, trying hard but not gaining ground, and wondering if it’s time to give up. You need to remember that it IS possible to overcome by the grace of God.

In Romans 7 Paul reminds us that our struggles are not uncommon, he admits that he, like us, often knows what he should do, yet still does the opposite. We want self-control but give in to temptation. We desire patience but lose our temper. When the odds are against us and our strength runs low, we need more than determination—we need to depend on God, who is able to defend, protect, and sustain us.

Moses was born Hebrew, an Israelite, but was raised as an Egyptian. The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt for 400 years, praying and pleading with God for deliverance. After Moses killed an Egyptian who was beating an Israelite slave, he ran to the desert to escape punishment. God found him there and called him to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery, not with an army, but with a staff. Through it, God performed miracle after miracle, bringing about their release and deliverance from captivity. Over time the staff became a powerful symbol. Moses raised it to part the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to walk on dry land to escape the pursuing Egyptian army. When he lowered the staff, the sea rushed back to drown their enemies. With the staff Moses stuck the rock that poured out fresh water to meet their needs while wandering in the desert.

While in a battle with the Amalekites, as long as Moses held his arms up with the staff high, Israel prevailed, but when his arms dropped, they began to lose. The victory didn’t come instantly—it was a hard-fought battle, and Moses got weary and couldn’t hold his arms up. Aaron and Hur stood on each side and held up his arms until the Israelites were victorious. When it was over, Moses built an altar and declared, “The Lord is my banner,” acknowledging that God alone was their source of victory, the staff was just a symbol.

So, the question remains: what is your banner? What do you look to for hope, courage, and strength? Is it your family, finances, job? If it isn’t the Lord, it won’t hold you up for long. When you’re at your limit and ready to quit, remember Jehovah Nissi—the Lord is your Banner. Even when the victory comes slowly, you can still lift a hard-fought hallelujah and keep standing in faith.

Scriptures – Romans 7:15 (VOICE); Exodus 4:2-3, 14:16, 17:1-12, 15 (NIV); Psalm 60:4 (NLT)

Verse – But you have raised a banner for those who fear you—a rally point in the face of attack. (Ps 60:4)

Discussion – Where do you feel most “in a jam” right now? What makes the situation especially hard to keep trusting God? Where in your life do you struggle most with knowing what to do…but not doing it? What “staff” or substitute banner are you most tempted to depend on instead of God? Who has helped hold you up in difficult seasons? Are you willing and available to hold others up when they need you?

Prayer – Lord, when I am tired, worn down, and ready to give up, remind me that You are my banner. Help me to stop trusting in my own strength or other things and look to You alone. Lift me up when I am weary, surround me with people who will help hold me up, and give me courage to stay in the fight. I choose to trust You! In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.