“I was ashamed to ask for the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we have 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.” So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer…..
“On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was upon us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way.”
A younger brother gets into trouble at the school yard with the bullies of his grade. In the discourse he states that “big brother will kick your butt if you hurt me.” This time he gets off scott free because the bullies know this kid’s big brother. This theme has been played out in real life and also in books and movies. The “big brother will save me” routine is a common one.
In the scripture above, the Israelites have basically pulled the big brother card stating how God will protect them because they follow the one true God. They believe God will pour out his anger on the ones who are against Him. This group of Israelites have to cross from Babylon to Jerusalem with all the gold and silver meant for the temple and waiting for them is, you guessed it, bullies and thugs along the journey. Verse 22 says that Ezra was ashamed to ask for soldiers and horsemen from the king to protect them because of what they stated before about God. Well, it is put up or shut up mode for this band. They prayed, fasted, and God answered their prayer as he protected them along the way.
I think we all get here at some time. We know all about God and read his Word. We even marvel about other people’s testimonies and how God has healed them or saved their family members. But when it comes time to trust God, we often go ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us instead of trusting the one true God like the Israelites did in Ezra on their way to Jerusalem. It is not bad to feel unsure or ashamed in moments like these. Life gets tough and sometimes it has a crushing feel to it.
Today, instead of reaching for the human blanket of security, try walking out on faith in God. All it takes is one step at a time. The Israelites prayed and fasted before their journey. Maybe it is time for you to do the same. Jesus found himself in a situation like this in the wilderness when Satan said to turn stones into bread. Jesus overcame Satan by repeating the word of God in that situation.
You may find yourself in the middle of life’s sucker punches and you want to reach for help. Today, reach for the Lord and ask for his direction and protection. Stand on what the Word says. You might just see the bully back down and even go away. Where is your faith and trust? In soldiers and horsemen, or in the one true God?
Let It Go 
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