Ezra 8:21 “Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions.”
Assigned as the Jewish leader with the huge responsibility of leading a group of his people BACK to JERUSALEM from their captivity in Babylon, Ezra is just not sure what direction he is to take. His diligent preparation for this journey has brought him to a moment of “I don’t know.” He is perplexed. He is unsure. He is agonizing over finalizing the crucial decision of the direction they will be taking.
I am thinking you have been to a moment (moments) of “I don’t know” like Ezra. I know I have. I know I am supposed to DO something, but HOW TO DO is not clear. It is at these crucial moments that I am reminded of Ezra and how he handles his perplexing moment of “I don’t know.” Let’s look at what he did.
Realizing he did not know his next step, he took what may be for some an unusual, even strange step and proclaimed a fast. Not knowing what to do has led him to go to the One who knows what to do! Ezra will FAST. He will call on those going with him to FAST. Instead of relying on his knowledge, Ezra will humble himself and acknowledge God. He conveys his tremendous need for God to be their guide for the perilous journey!
You may wonder what fasting is. I see fasting as a spiritual discipline to help lazar FOCUS my attention on God. Fasting is the removal of something like food for a period of time (could be other things) that allows for a focused time where one is seeking the face of God. For me, a FAST is For A Serious Time. That serious time can be for a variety of things. Here is Ezra 8:21, it was FOR A SERIOUS TIME of seeking DIRECTION!
While we cannot know if Ezra knew Proverbs 3:5-6, Ezra’s actions in Ezra 8:21 sure look like he was applying Trust in the Lord with all your heart and leaning not on your own understanding. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your path.
Pondering your next step? Is a FAST in your future, so God can determine your future?
Continue Strong, seeking God for His direction,
And remember to DATE the WORD!