Hands Raised means Hell is Shaken-You Can’t Win Sitting on Your Hands

As I sit here immersed in my Bible study in the book of Joshua, I come across the account of Moses holding up his hands during battle. It makes me chuckle as I remember my early days as a Christian, when seeing people in church lifting their hands in worship felt a bit odd to me. I thought they were a little looney—but harmless, lol. It didn’t bother me, but I couldn’t help noticing the stark contrast between this atmosphere and the churches I had been in before, where worship felt more reserved. While I wasn’t quite ready to raise my hands myself, I also couldn’t imagine walking away from what I was experiencing.

As I observed, I saw a joyful group of people—radiating something I had never encountered before. The obvious answer was Jesus, but there was more to it. They were ignited, even the quiet ones with their arms raised—they carried a fire that I didn’t yet have. I had been saved and baptized, but there was still a missing piece. Then came the day when gratitude overwhelmed me—love for all that God had done for me and my family filled my heart. I hesitated at first, but eventually, my own arms lifted in surrender. And ever since, I’ve never stopped. I’ve seen victory where I didn’t deserve it. I’ve had favor and leverage in the most unexpected situations.

 It’s incredible how simple acts of faith 
can draw the presence of a mighty God.

Let's take a look at this powerful story:

Before this moment, Israel had just seen God’s miraculous provision. In the wilderness of Rephidim, they grumbled in desperation for water, doubting if God was truly with them. In response, God commanded Moses to strike a rock, and water gushed out, proving His faithfulness. But right after this provision, a new challenge arose—Amalek attacked. This was Israel’s first battle as a free nation, and unlike Egypt’s defeat at the Red Sea, this time they had to fight. Moses appointed Joshua to lead the army while he climbed a hill, raising his staff in intercession. Victory wasn’t won by their strength alone, but by their dependence on God, setting the stage for the powerful lesson that followed.

Exodus 17:11-16 (CSB): "While Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed. 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. So Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword."

I love this story for so many reasons. Isn’t it amazing how powerfully it speaks? As long as Moses’ hands were raised, Israel prevailed, but the moment they dropped, the enemy gained ground. This isn’t just about war—it’s a powerful picture of victory through surrender. Every story in the Bible carries a deeper meaning, and this one reminds us that breakthrough isn’t won by strength alone but by dependence on God.

The Power of Raised Hands

Victory came only as long as Moses' hands were raised. Do you see how crucial that was? And notice—he wasn’t alone. He was surrounded by men who understood what was at stake, who stood with him in agreement, in friendship, in battle, and in action. When he grew weak, they didn’t let him fall; they stepped in, lifting his hands when he no longer could. We all need friends like that—people who stand beside us, strengthen us, and fight alongside us when we grow weary.

Just because you’re weak doesn’t mean the battle is over—far from it! That’s when you press forward. The right environment and the right people around you make all the difference. Do you have friends who will step in when you can’t hold your own? Can you worship through the struggle? Even if all you can do is lift your hands and speak His Word, that is more than enough. Raise holy hands, declare scripture, and stand firm—because victory comes through surrender.

1 Timothy 2:8: Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.

Nehemiah 8:6: Then Ezra blessed the Lord the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.

Look at the details: When Moses’ hands grew heavy, they placed a stone under him so he could sit. Think about that—what’s weighing you down? What battles have left you weary, struggling to hold on? And do you think it’s a coincidence that they used a stone to steady him? Jesus is the Rock of our salvation.

Psalm 18:2 declares, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock where I seek refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” 

Moses didn’t just lean on a stone—he leaned on a foreshadowing of Christ, the firm foundation that never crumbles.

Paul makes this even clearer in 1 Corinthians 10:4, “…they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ.”  The same Rock that provided water in the wilderness is the same Rock that gives us strength today. When life feels heavy, when the battle is exhausting, plant yourself on Christ, your unshakable foundation, and let Him hold you up. 

God provided Aaron and Hur to support Moses—one on each side. God always supplies what you need in the battle. When Moses grew weak, help was already in place, showing us that victory isn’t meant to be fought alone.

This moment reflects God’s faithfulness throughout scripture. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up.” Just as Moses needed others to steady him, we need people who will stand with us in faith, lifting us up when we can’t do it ourselves.

Jesus echoed this in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them.” God’s presence moves powerfully through unity, and when we come together in agreement, heaven responds.

Whether it’s strength for the battle, people to encourage you, or wisdom to press forward, God will always provide what you need. You may not see the answer yet, but it’s already in motion. The question is—are you willing to receive the help He’s sending?

Raised Hands in Worship

Let’s talk about church. Ever walked into a service, seen people lifting their hands in worship, and thought, What in the world is going on here?

I’ll tell you exactly what’s happening—they’re fighting a battle with their hands raised! They worship with uplifted hands because they understand something powerful: victory comes through surrender.

This posture isn’t just for show—it’s deeply biblical. Psalm 134:2 says, “Lift up your hands in the holy place and bless the Lord!” And in 1 Timothy 2:8, Paul instructs, “I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument.”

Raised hands aren’t a sign of weakness; they’re a declaration of trust. Just like Moses’ hands determined the outcome of Israel’s battle, our lifted hands declare, God, I trust You! I give this fight to You! Worship isn’t just singing—it’s warfare.

When hands go up, chains break, strongholds crumble, and heaven moves.

Think of this: if someone is being pursued by the police, what do the officers yell? “Put your hands up!” And what does that person do? They surrender—a physical action that signals an internal decision. That’s exactly what’s happening in worship.

Except here, they aren’t running from the law or behaving as criminals—or maybe they are, and they’ve just surrendered. We don’t know. That’s between them and God. But one thing is certain: whatever battle they’re fighting, they are prevailing. Lifting hands in worship isn’t about defeat; it’s about stepping into victory. It’s saying, God, I lay it all down. I give this fight to You. And when surrender happens, heaven moves.

People who raise their hands in church know a powerful truth: surrender and victory happen at the same time. With hands lifted, they aren’t just yielding to God—they’re prevailing over their enemies.

What battles are you facing? What enemies are coming against you?

Lift your hands. Worship. Surrender. And watch as God brings the victory.

Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord is My Banner

Now, let’s move down a few verses:

Exodus 17:15-16 (CSB): “And Moses built an altar and named it, ‘The Lord Is My Banner.’ He said, ‘Indeed, my hand is lifted up toward the Lord’s throne.’”

Moses named that altar Jehovah-Nissi—The Lord is My Banner. It was a declaration that God had led them to victory, that His presence and power covered them like a banner waving over a battlefield.

Let me encourage you—next time you’re in church, don’t stand stiff like a soldier. Think about the breakthrough you need. The financial struggles, the overwhelming bills, the healing you’re waiting for, the situation that feels impossible. Lift your hands. Keep them up. Because surrender isn’t weakness—it’s inviting God to fight for you. Let Him take over.

Let Jehovah-Nissi be the banner over your life, 
your battles, and your victory.

It’s an act of faith—a physical expression of a spiritual battle. There’s nothing wrong with being a quiet participant in church, but let me tell you this: The ones who lift their hands in worship often have the most incredible testimonies—stories of deliverance, victory, and breakthrough. But we all start somewhere. I was once a timid, mousy girl myself, hesitant and unsure. But as I grew in Christ, my confidence in Him grew too. And you will grow as well. Worship isn’t about personality—it’s about trust. So take that first step, no matter how small, and watch what God does in you.

Do you know what prevail means?

According to the dictionary, prevail (verb) means to prove more powerful than opposing forces; to be victorious. Let that sink in—to be victorious.

Now, say it with me: I PREVAIL. No matter what kind of day you’re having, no matter what battle you’re facing, the truth remains: in Christ, you prevail. Feeling overwhelmed? Step into your prayer closet. Lift your hands. Surrender. Trust in your God. This story in Exodus wasn’t just written for history—it was written to remind you that victory comes through dependence on Him.

And let’s not forget how this story ends—Joshua defeated Amalek and his army with the sword.

Do you know what the sword represents? It is the Word of God.

Ephesians 6:17 tells us plainly: “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit—which is the word of God.” The Bible isn’t just a book—it’s a weapon, the most powerful one you have in spiritual battle. When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He didn’t argue, panic, or fight with human strength—He spoke the Word (Matthew 4:1-11). And each time, the enemy had no choice but to retreat.

Hebrews 4:12 reinforces this truth: “For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Victory wasn’t won by human effort alone—it was won through the power of the Word. Joshua fought with a physical sword, but today, we fight with the sword of the Spirit.

So when the enemy comes against you—speak the Word. When doubt creeps in—declare His promises. When fear rises up—wield your sword. Because the Word of God never fails, and those who stand on it will always prevail.

And before I go, consider this—who’s standing with you? Who is on your left and your right? Are your friends the kind who will hold up your hands when you grow weary? Will they remind you to stand on the Rock of Salvation when the weight of life presses down?

Surround yourself with people who help you prevail. Battles aren’t meant to be fought alone, and neither is victory. If your circle isn’t filled with faith fighters and Word speakers, it may be time to let go. Ask God to send you like-minded friends—people who will lift you up, not pull you down. And trust Him to remove, in His way, those who can’t stand with you in the fight.

As you strengthen yourself in the Lord, something incredible happens—you become the one lifting others. One day, you will be the one holding up the hands of your friends and family, standing beside them in faith, helping them prevail.

Source: https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Lifting-Hands

Amanda Allen, the author of Kingdom Revelations, holds the copyright to her works and art. Copyright © Amanda Allen, Kingdom Revelations, 2025. All rights reserved. This article may be shared with acknowledgment of the author and the original source.