A lesson from Ezra 8:22-23

Ezra 8:22-23 (NIV) 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.” ²³ So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

A few points: "I was ashamed to ask". We do this. We are afraid or embarrassed to ask for help. We find ourselves needing assistance of some sort and would let someone help us, but we won't ask for help. If someone happens to stumble upon our need, we may gladly accept the assistance. But, pride prevents us from asking.

Psalm 10:4

In his pride the wicked does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God.

Proverbs 11:2

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Proverbs 13:10
Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride brings him low, but a man of lowly spirit gains honor.
Ecclesiastes 7:8
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Pride is not one of the fruits of the spirit and causes all kinds of problems. If it is part of your character, abolish it.

Point 2: "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him,..." God is pleased to look after us and protect us. His hand is gracious. He offers His hand, His gracious hand, to us even without our asking. He offers us salvation and protection and mercy. He offers us grace. Accept God's gracious offer.

Point 3: Fasting is not just for Biblical times. I have fasted and found the experience worth of remembering. I don't remember my initial reason for my fast but know that since that time I used the experience to alleviate the anxieties of people who were witnessing others who were no longer eating on their own and not on feeding tubes. (After the first day or so, I didn't feel hunger pains and had no pain associated with fasting.) Fasting is a spiritual discipline that I would like to learn more about.

Point 4: God answers prayer. This may be a silly sentence to include but may people do not believe that God answers prayer. He does. The answer may not be what we expect or want but God answers prayers based on His unlimited knowledge which is not constrained by time or circumstance.

Thanks, God, for the varied and numerous lessons from Your word. Amen.

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