Nigel Lewis, Jamaica
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.
Ezra 8:21
Life is a journey that is paved with all kinds of obstacles. Each year, we have no idea what is in store for us, so I exhort you to take a leaf out of Ezra’s book (Ezra 8:15–36) as he embarked upon the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem with the second wave of Jewish exiles.
It’s a journey that was treacherous, with tragedy on every side. The enemy was seeking opportunity to avenge himself, but like every good leader, Ezra sought the Lord for direction and protection, and not just for himself, but for every member of his group.
Ezra knew that the journey from Babylon to Jerusalem would be one that would pose many challenges:
- The journey would be long and dangerous, as they were traveling on foot with precious cargo: silver, gold, copper, and priceless items that belonged to the house of God. This could attract thieves and enemies.
- They were traveling with their young ones and elders; hence the journey would be slow.
- Ezra, having already spoken confidently that “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him” (8:22), found it very hard to ask the king for military protection against enemies along the way.
So, Ezra did the one and only thing that he knew best, which was to call for a fast and to pray. Ezra knew that afflicting their souls before God was the one sure way of getting God’s attention.
Each new year that we face brings new challenges, both spiritual and physical. We may have had a rough year last year, and so we may be scared stiff to even think of what might happen this year.
Like Ezra, I implore you to call a fast. Call your family, your church or ministry, your friends. Afflict your souls before God. As we present ourselves before His throne, He is able to keep us from falling.
As you journey through this year, the hand of God will be upon you. He will show you the right way (v. 21). He will deliver you from the hand of the enemy and from all your fears (v. 31). No doubt about that!
God did it for Ezra and the Israelites, and He will do it for you. Ezra was able to make it to Jerusalem safely to do the work he was mandated to do. By the grace of God, may you move confidently into the future as well!