Try Fasting and Prayer

“We fasted and entreated…God.” Ezra 8:23 NKJV

Ezra’s assignment was rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. And there were moments when it felt overwhelming. So here’s what he did: “We fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.” When you are willing to go without food and take the time to seek God with all your heart, He will respond to you. So, when should you fast? Let’s observe three things Ezra fasted and prayed for: (1) “To seek from Him the right way for us” (v. 21 NKJV). Without God’s guidance you are left to the mercy of your own best thinking, and that can get you into trouble you may not get out of in a hurry. God doesn’t want you traveling blindly into the future, hoping for the best. His promise to you is, “Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come” (Jer 33:3 NLT). (2) “And [for] our little ones” (Ezr 8:21 NKJV). Because God Himself is a father, this much is sure: when you petition Him on behalf of your children He gets involved in their lives! Samuel was molded into one of Israel’s greatest prophets by the prayers of a godly mother called Hannah. (3) “And all our possessions” (v. 21 NKJV). If unemployment, the home foreclosure rate, and the rollercoaster we call the stock market are anything to go by, you’d be wise to consult God before you make any financial decision. “Has God promised to bless me financially?” you ask. Yes. But only when your heart is in harmony with His will and your desire is to do what pleases Him.

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