The Fast

Scripture:

Ezra 8:21  "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".

Observation:

Ezra was preparing to lead a group of people back to Jerusalem after being in captivity for a long time.  They were travelling a long way and were bringing lots of valuable with them  There was a lot of potential for bandits to attack them on the road with their great wealth.  He did the right thing and called a fast to seek the Lord for His protection along the journey.

Application:

As Ezra called a fast to prepare for a great journey and to ask God's protection and provision for them, so we must fast and pray and ask God to take care of us.  We must seek the Lord and ask for His protection and provision for our lives.  Often He is the last one we talk to when we are facing something.  He should be our first line of defense and not an afterthought.  He wants us to look to Him first and seek Him first as our primary source and resource.

Prayer:

Father, help me to seek Your direction in my life before doing things.  I truly want to do what You want, but sometimes it's not as clear as I would like it to be.  Remind me to seek you deeper with fasting and prayer on issues in my life and ministry.  Work our my housing situation quickly Lord I pray and let it be completely Your doing.  Bless my family as we seek the right place to live.

Yours,
Jeff