Read: Ezra 8-10
Focus Verse: “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. 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, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.’ So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” (Ezra 8:21-23).
Devotion: Have you ever made a promise before you knew if it could actually happen? Think of inviting a friend over before asking your parents if it’s ok. Imagine what your friends would think of your parents if you had to turn around and say, ‘oops never mind you can’t come now’. Your parents would get a bad rap! Ezra talked a big game about God. He told the king that he didn’t need anyone to protect them on their way back to Israel because God would protect them. He got worried and thought that it would look bad if he went back to the king for help. It would look bad on God if it turns out that God isn’t able to protect them. So we see Ezra fasting and then he asks God to protect them. This isn’t an arrogant request of him though. Ezra trusts God to keep his promises to protect his people, and God does! Not only does this help Ezra’s belief but it says to the surrounding nations that God can be trusted and relied on. How we talk about God will influence how others around us view God.
Pray: LORD help me have faith to trust in You. Help me show others You are where they can place their trust. Amen.
Additional Scripture: “This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)