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
Ezra knew that God had ordained his return to Jerusalem. So instead of asking for an escort from the king, he summoned the Levites to accompany them. As a result of humbling himself before God and sharing the burden with the priests, their journey was safe, fast and without loss.
How about the challenges ahead of me? Am I taking time to humble myself, fast (sacrifice), and seek godly people for the journey? I know I can tend to have a “I can do it all myself” attitude.
Lord, please continue to provide people along the way to be my help. Thank you for the priests all around. Today is such a big day to seek you and find favor and help and friends for the journey ahead.
