Ezra 7:11-28, Ezra 8:1-14, Revelation 13, Proverbs 28:7-17
Ezra 7:27-28 (ESV)
“Blessed be the Lord, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the Lord my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.”
In Ezra 7:27–28, Ezra reminds believers that Father-God is sovereign over all things. The Lord moved the heart of King Artaxerxes I of Persia, who issued a decree allowing Ezra and other exiles in Babylon to return to Jerusalem. The king also provided the resources needed to rebuild the temple. Ezra acknowledges that this favor came from the Lord and that he drew courage from Father-God’s hand upon him to gather the leaders of Israel.
I love how these verses demonstrate that Father-God can influence the hearts of kings. The Lord often works through unexpected people to accomplish His purposes in the world. Ezra’s testimony reminds believers to be grateful for their leaders and to pray for them, knowing they may play a role in God’s plans. He also teaches us to recognize and give thanks for the favor the Lord shows us. God the Father actively guides and empowers those He calls. Believers must remember that any success they experience comes not from their own strength, but from the Lord’s care and involvement in their lives. When a believer receives the Lord’s favor, they are called to move forward with courage and obedience to whatever Father-God asks of them.
Through our faith in Jesus Christ, we have a Father-God who loves us and remains actively involved—not only in our individual lives, but in the world around us. The Lord’s favor is not given for comfort alone, but to be stewarded with obedience and trust, leading us into deeper contentment in Him.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel compelled to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who lovingly and actively guides our lives—this could be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in the following prayer and express your trust in Him. Share your desire to walk with Him and welcome His presence into your life. God is faithful and ready to meet you wherever you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. Right now, I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life. Being part of a Holy Spirit–led church community has deeply shaped my faith. If you’re searching for a place to grow, worship, and encounter God, you can explore my church and its affiliated campuses here: https://revivaltoday.com/
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