Knowing JESUS Daily Devotional | June 14, 2020 | LESSONS FROM LEADERS IN THE BIBLE – EZRA | THE POWER OF FASTING | Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us. – Ezra 8:21-23

Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way. – Ezra 8:31

Beloved, there is a great lesson to learn from Ezra the God fearing scribe.

When God favoured the Jews and they were returning to Judah, after king Cyprus freed them from their captivity. They were coming with all the treasures king Nebuchadnezzar removed from the house of the Lord.

Some miscreants heard about the treasures and planned to rob then before they returned to Judah.

Ezra did not want to degrade God’s glory, so he did not ask for military support from the king. Instead he proclaimed a fast to seek for God’s dependable protection.

After the fasting they proceeded on the journey, not minding the threat to their lives. See it yourself.

LESSONS FROM LEADERS – EZRA | THE POWER OF FASTING | Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might Seek our God – Ezra 8:21-23

Ezra 8:31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way.

Eza 8:21 — Eza 8:23 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

God honoured their faith and brought them to Jerusalem safely.

Ezra 8:32 And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.

LESSONS FROM LEADERS – EZRA | THE POWER OF FASTING | Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might Seek our God – Ezra 8:21-23

Beloved, learn a great lesson from this, whatever the challenges in your life, once you have prayed and even fasted. Leave the matter with God in faith and never trouble yourself again. See what the scriptures says.

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Psalms 55:22 Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee:
he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

LESSONS FROM LEADERS – EZRA | THE POWER OF FASTING | Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might Seek our God – Ezra 8:21-23

See the example of Hannah also. After she had prayed, she left the issue with God and Samuel was born.

1Sa 1:9 — 1Sa 1:11 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

1 Samuel 1:18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

1 Samuel 1:27 For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

Remember, once you have prayed, keep on looking up to heaven for answers like king David.

Psalms 5:3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up

LESSONS FROM LEADERS – EZRA | THE POWER OF FASTING | Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might Seek our God – Ezra 8:21-23

See you at the top in Jesus name

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