Fasting for Protection

“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. For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.” So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.” ‭‭Ezra‬ ‭8‬:‭21‬-‭23‬ ‭‬‬

Ezra was traveling from Babylon to Jerusalem by permission of King Artaxerxes to seek the Lord and teach God’s statutes to the Israelites. King Artaxerxes gave permission for any of the Israelites that wanted to help to join Ezra on the journey. Ezra was given gold and silver to obtain items for service in the temple, and for the offerings to the Lord. Ezra was also given a letter that King Artaxerxes’s kingdom should comply with the request of Ezra and that no tax should be charged.

People from the tribes joined Ezra. When they all gathered at the river, Ezra thought about the journey ahead and the need for protection. Standing in faith, instead of seeking human protection, Ezra called for a fast and asked Judah to fast. And God answered the request.

What can I learn from this passage about fasting?

• God can give favor to his people even from Gentile kings.
• Got honors our faith in Him.
• Fasting and prayer can lead to protection.
• We need to stay humble and seek God.
• God can show us the right way to proceed.
• The hand of God and His power is upon those who seek Him.
• We can seek others too fast with us for a cause.

Lord, thank You for honoring the faith that I have in You. Thank You for Your protection. Lord help me to stay humble and seek You always. Show me the right way to proceed I. What You have called me to do and bring along the right people beside me to fulfill Your plans.