PRAYER PROMPT ••• When I get to heaven, and after I’ve met Jesus and hugged my Papo, the first person I want to meet is the Apostle Paul.
But recently, I think I’ve picked a close second: the prophet Ezra.
The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are both credited to Ezra and I’ve read them before.
But as I read them again, I’m struck by his compassion and the way he writes.
He often uses the phrase, “the gracious hand of the Lord my God was on me,” and I simply love the way he says that!
It’s beautiful, a little poetic, and oh-so-much truth!
Those of us who are God’s children can count on the same – God IS gracious.
God IS guiding us.
God IS our Lord.
The words paint the picture of God’s hand on our shoulders, guiding us and protecting us.
The books concentrate on the remnant of Israel, leaving captivity in Babylon, and rebuilding the temple.
There’s a lot of genealogy listed but tucked away throughout the narrative are such profound truths, I can’t believe I missed them the first time!
Today, I read Nehemiah 3-5; the story is about who was responsible for what part of the rebuilding.
But in chapter 4, we learn that enemies plan to thwart the efforts.
So workers are armed, ready to fight, yet continue to work.
In Nehemiah 4:14, Ezra wrote, “Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!'”
These men were doing service to the Lord, yet the enemy threatened the efforts.
They continued their job, armed, ready to fight, with the reminder of who is Lord!
Sound familiar?
I can so apply it to my own life right now!
Whatever the Lord has called you to do, the enemy is looking for opportunities to prevent you from fulfilling God’s plan.
Your job is to be armed with the Word (Armor of God – Ephesians 6:10-18) and continue to do as you’ve been called!
And your job is to remember Who is Lord!
Today, as you pray, thank God for having His gracious hand on you and thank Him for being bigger than the enemy!
Thank Him that because of Jesus, we know who wins!
