Ezra Chapter 8: Verses 21-23 (NLT)
And there by the Ahava Canal, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that he would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled. For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, “Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.” So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.
Ezra’s life had been a testimony to the King of Persia and others. He was very conscious of this and knew he had to prove this by trusting God to protect him and others who were returning to Israel. It would take them about four months, and they were taking with them substantial wealth and precious stones. Its understandable that he was nervous about such a journey. But he didn’t jeopardise his testimony. Instead, he took his concerns to God and fasted also to seek God’s guidance on what to do – and God heard their prayers and protected the travellers.
We too need to be aware of our testimony as Christians. As the saying goes, we need to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. God uses our circumstances at times to test our faith, to give us the chance to prove that we trust God. When God sees the sincerity and intention in our hearts, He will always answer.
Dear Lord,
I’m grateful that Ezra shows us here just how he was feeling. A devout priest, teacher and man of God, he had feelings just like us. Help me to follow his example and turn to You for help and guidance when I am faced with challenges. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.