Scripture: Ezra 8:22 I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.”
The situation described in our text today is worth pondering. People believe and proclaim many things about God which are confirmed in Scripture; that is good. The problem is, they look no further for assistance. They pray for provision, healing, protection, or direction and then do nothing. They wait for God to directly intercede for them. Ninety-nine percent of what we pray for, I believe, comes from God moving through other people. Answered prayer comes through our actions and interactions with the community around us. Some of these actions are known, some, as we say, are mysterious. God moving in mysterious ways. Ezra doesn't want to ask the king for assistance since they look to God for help, not human agencies. But, it will be through the king that God will help the people of Israel. Yes, there is a lot of evil in our world today. There is a lot of corruption. We need to do our best to navigate through it (Matthew 10:16), but there is a lot of good too. God uses whomever God chooses to respond to your prayer. One area that is making advances by leaps and bounds is the field of medicine. The things they are doing nowadays is amazing. Don't forgo it, because you want your own personal healing. The tech. field is advancing too. Yes, AI is a bit scary, but you can utilize it safely. Even when things go arigh, don't lose hope. God can get you through that too. I have had my share of arigh moments, so don't feel bad if it happened to you. Even the most cautious can get caught up in schemes. Fear not, God is still with you, keep praying for direction. Let us be open to the many ways that God can and does work for our benefit. But also know, you are the answer to other people's prayers. Just being a good and just person is the answer to most people's prayers. Who doesn't want to be surrounded by good people? Let us be open to God's will and way in our lives, both for us and through us.
Pray with me..., Holy God, guide us and watchover us as we make our way through this world, this life. Help us to be Your agents of goodness for others through the gifts and abilities You have given us. Hear us, as we pray for those who are near and dear to our hearts, family and friends. We ask Your blessing upon them according to their needs. We ask for Your blessing upon our church, so we can be the people You call us to be, in Jesus' name, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
