“Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods…So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.” - Ezra 8:21,23

Ezra and his companions were on a journey for God’s mission but this mission did not come without its dangers.  Ezra was aware that there were forces at work that would try to resist and rob them while on their mission to reestablish the Lord’s work in Israel.  These forces were powerful and only the all-powerful God could truly protect and ensure their journey.  

Through fasting, we lower ourselves, reminding our souls that our flesh is weak and incapable of fulfilling His mission by our own means.

Ezra called a special time of fasting and prayer in order to humble themselves and to seek the Lord for their protection and guidance.  Ezra knew it was necessary for everyone to lower themselves to their rightful place, while promoting God to His rightful place.  Fasting is a sure fire way of accomplishing this in the life of a believer.   In so doing, Israel would be in complete reliance upon the Lord for their protection and provision.

We too are on a dangerous journey with forces at work against us to resist and rob us of what the Lord has called and promised to us.  Our families and church families are on this journey with us and we need times of fasting to humble us.  We need these times to implore the Lord for His protection and guidance for our marriage, personal lives, families, and church.  Through fasting, we lower ourselves, reminding our souls that our flesh is weak and incapable of fulfilling His mission by our own means.  Through prayer, we exalt Christ to His right place of headship in our lives, marriages, homes, and church.  When we lower ourselves, and exalt Christ, there is a moment when we sense the Lord has heard our entreaty.  

Prayer:  Lord, please humble me and put me in my place.  Help me to put you in your right place as head over my life and church.  Help me to submit to your perfect plan for protection and guidance.  Amen.