"In the book of Ezra, Chapters 7:28 and 8:21,22, Ezra says: "I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was upon me...Then I proclaimed a fast for a safe journey for I was ashamed to ask the King for soldiers to protect us since I had told the King that the hand of our God is gracious to all who seek him, but against all who forsake him."
"These verses proclaim that Ezra had the courage of his convictions. He trusted God for his safety and protection, not soldiers or chariots. Ezra could not ask the King for soldiers to protect the caravan from thieves and robbers even with all the gold, silver and precious things they were bringing, as he wanted to witness to the King that he trusted the Lord God. If Ezra believed in God's protection, he had to show it by his actions.
"If we say we believe that Jesus loves us and guides us, we better show it in our lives, or non-believers will laugh and deride our faith. If I say I'm a believer, I'd better show it and not trust in my own skills or attributes.
"Lord Jesus I trust only in you. When my knees feel weak, give me courage and simply hold out your hand, that I might put my hand in yours. It is then that I will have the strength to do what must be done. Amen."
This is an important lesson for us to learn. I am still learning, sometimes forgetting that Jesus is waiting for the invitation to help me. As I get more and more forgetful, I get teased lovingly by my family, but I don't want to forget to call upon my Lord when I need His strength. I don't think my memory will get any better, and so, I am asking God, because of my love for Him, that He will allow me to grasp His hand whenever my memory fails me. God will see me through this, even this!
Hang in there, my friends!
Jo INMN
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