Petitioning for the Future

There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 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." So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Ezra 8:21-23

don't you love ezra's honesty? he was too ashamed to ask the king for an escort, so he goes to the King of all kings for protection? he'd rather humble himself before the God of the universe than before his friend, the king of babylon. but he wasn't the only one involved in this fast and petition - he involved all those traveling from babylon to jerusalem, approximately 1300 men. one would think that that many men would be able to protect themselves from bandits and theives. guess not.

as i've been reading thru ezra and nehemiah, i'm amazed at how they used fasting and prayer to call upon the Name of the Lord for various reasons. the one listed above is for protection for the future. in the first chapter of nehemiah, he fasts because of the devastation in his homeland, judah. so i started thinking about my future and the gartahotze future. we have some major changes coming in the near future. this sunday will be our last sunday at st. paul. the following week will be our first sunday at jasper. that seems to be a reason to fast and petition God's guidance and protection.

Jesus,
i know that You've heard the cry of the jews time after time. You've graciously responded when they've returned to You with humble hearts. You've provided them with protection and safety thru out their many journeys. You've granted them salvaton and a place to worship. i praise You for offering me salvation and the ability to worship You. i give You glory and honor for hearing my prayer and petitions. may You go before us and prepare the way. may You direct our relationships with the members at jasper. may You establish friendships among denise and the youth and youth leaders. may Your hand be upon her as she leads these young people into a deeper relationship with You. may You help me to know the purpose for my being in jasper. use my hands, feet and mouth for Your glory.
in Jesus' Name ~ Amen!

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*kevin *kevin *valerie