Ezra 8:21 There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions.
As I read through this chapter, I knew I wanted to pull these verses for today’s reflection. I believe fully in God’s sovereignty and power. I know He is at work in my life and the lives of my family. But I still doubt and fear when I cannot see a way. I struggle daily to shed this part of myself, to lean into Him and trust because I KNOW He’s got me.
Ezra 8:22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him….”
It feels like a personal failing, but I think I’m making progress. Yesterday, instead of utterly freaking out when I logged in to finishing grading for school and saw NONE of my classes and assignments, I texted our tech person, trying to hold panic at bay. When she responded that she wasn’t near a computer, I took a deep breath and rooted around in my history until I found what I needed. That calm was not from me. And today, as I was in the middle of my prayer and study time, my family needed my help, and it felt like a gift, not a burden, to stop and help them. Thank You, Jesus.
Ezra 8:23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and He answered our prayer.
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for showing me first hand how You are making a way in the wilderness of my fear. Thank You for calm and compassion that come straight from You. Thank You for not giving up on me, no matter how slow and reluctant I can be. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.
Ezra 8:31 … The hand of our God was on us, and He protected us from enemies and bandits along the way.
Have a blessed day.