- Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. Ezra 8:21 – God isn’t appalled when we ask for more, even if we are currently stepping into His blessing on us. Here in our passage we just finished reading a long list of names of people who got to firsthand see the mighty hand of God work for them, yet now they are asking for more. Is God ok with that? Apparently so because He listens and does what they ask of Him. What we need to realize is they didn’t ask for more out of discontentment or selfishness. They were just moving along the journey God had called them to and while He had provided greatly until then, they needed Him again. God loves it when we need Him again and we choose to call out to Him. So in your following of Jesus when you come to a place where you need something, don’t hesitate to bring it before God. He wants you to bring that to Him and to rely on Him to get you to your next step. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1280
- Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way. Ezra 8:31 – Ezra was taking a step that he knew was right, but was aware the steps ahead could have been filled with robbers and attacks. So he approached the Lord, asked for safety on the path ahead, and took the first steps moving in trust God was going to protect. What we see then from our verse is that God came through and protected Ezra and the leaders on their way from all sorts of attacks. We also see a rhythm I hope we can follow when it come to our steps. Pray, step, watch. Pray for God’s protection on the path ahead because it may be filled with potential attack and difficulties. Take then that first step of faith onto the path you know God has directed you down. Now watch God come through for you. That provision may come in the shape of protection from enemies, provision for the struggles along the way, or some other way. What we get the blessing of seeing is how God takes care of His own when we faithfully follow His lead. The path ahead of you may be scary and uncertain, but follow Ezra’s lead here. Pray over this path, take the first step onto this path, and watch God come through for you on this path. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2501
Daily DEVO 