“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 abandoned him.’ So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and he heard our prayer.” (Ezra 8:22-23)
Food For Thought: Some things that we pass off as faith is mere foolishness, and some of what seems foolish is truly risky faith. Sometimes is requires real discernment to know the difference. In this case, it might have appeared foolish for Ezra not to seek the kings protection for the long journey from Babylon to Jerusalem. After all, they had the king’s permission to go, and they were carrying tons of gold and silver, literally.
But Ezra had bragged on God—on his ability to protect the righteous. Now if he ask for the king’s protection, in Ezra’s mind, this would have been a lack of faith and it would have brought disrepute to the name of God. This was a case where Ezra put himself, and the people he was leading, out there in the rare air of risky faith, where if God didn’t show up and do what only God could do, they would be in deep weeds.
It was a fine line that Ezra walked, but being a man who was deeply in touch with God, committed to knowing and obeying God’s Word, and living it out as an example so he might influence others to deeper faith, Ezra’s act of courageous faith was a no-brainer. Having been led by the Spirit, Ezra made the decision, then called the people to fasting and pray so that God’s hand would be with them. Then they stepped out in faith.
And look what happened: God heard their prayers! God granted them what they asked for. God did what only God could do. God got the credit and Ezra got a great testimony.
And thus it is so with all the great faith stories of the Bible: Someone takes a bold step of faith; God does what only God can do; a great testimony is born.
Perhaps a great testimony of faith is waiting to be born in your life! Be open to the possibility. Let Ezra’s life—his commitment to the Word, his obedience, his prayer, his faith—inspire and guide you to step out into the rare air of risky faith where God shows up and does the impossible.
Take the risk and share Christ with that person you work with…give that major financial gift that doesn’t make sense a part from obedience to God’s voice….make that bold career move that will allow you to align yourself for ministry usefulness…choose that college major that scares you, but deep inside you sense that’s what God wants for you.
Take that step and watch what God does….and watch history get made!
Prayer: Lord, as Ezra did, I re-dedicate myself to studying your Word, obeying your Word, and influencing others to study and obey your Word. I will leave the rest up to you. But I do look forward to your gracious hand being upon my life.
One More Thing… “The devil is not afraid of the Bible that has dust on it.” — James McCosh
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