God’s help

Ezra 8:21~23 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. (21)

♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korean/English Hymnal #417 Safe in the Arms of Jesus (#476 in previous version)

God allowed Ezra, who faced great problems, to discover His great plan. Ezra means “God helps.” Ezra was accustomed in the law, but he gained great power from God by discovering the power of prayer. Though the path we take may seem rough and difficult, God works when we ask God in all things and are not deceived. What must we be aware of in order to discover God’s plan as Ezra did?

1. We need the power of prayer of not being deceived by the world
There were times when Israel had kings who did not believe in God and worshiped idols. Under those kings, the Israelites were taken into captivity and were even in a situation of facing death. Even if we are in a place where people do not serve God, we should not give up on life or fall into despair. It is the scheme of the forces of darkness to make us fail. And, we need the power of prayer so that we may not be deceived. God desires us to stand before Him just as Ezra did.

2. We must have the power of prayer of overcoming the field
Ezra, who discovered God’s plan, possessed the power of prayer of having victory even in the midst of problems. He was ashamed of that he depended on people and the world, so he prayed standing before God. Just like Ezra, we must appoint certain time and pray to gain spiritual strength. If we seek God’s will and depend on His Word in all problems, we will be revived, and even our fields will come to life.

3. We must have the power of prayer of holding onto the eternal things
The covenant that God gave is eternal. The Word of God has the power to overcome difficulties of the world. Whenever we feel resentful about our present reality, if we look to what God will do, the everlasting Word of God will be fulfilled in our lives. Perhaps our family, friends or relatives may help us, but their helps do not last forever. Only the power that God gives lasts forever. The 7 Remnants in the Bible ̊ who had success in prayer connected all things with prayer in times of sadness, joy and difficulties.

Forum Topic
As we look at our background or people around us, let us not grow resentful against God or the world but think about what God’s plan is. God is the one who guards our hearts and minds.
34 Immanuel Church Sunday Worship 1st Service / 2013.2.10