For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from the enemy on our way, since we had told the king that the hand of our God is gracious to all who seek him . . . Ezra 8:22
Have you ever noticed that when we put ourselves out there talking about our faith, we inevitably face moments when those words are tested? And we have a sense that we’re being judged by those observing, for our apparent action or appearance, albeit false, of inaction. We may also feel concern and responsibility about the manner in which each situation is handled and it’s outcome, as it is scrutinized by others, for their faith in God may be reinforced or diminished by what they are observing. We also may be hesitant to request help of others in our need; for fear that it would appear we are not solely relying on God. Unease about how it may come across if things do not have a good result -that it may look as though God is not with us - may hold us back from doing what we know we should do. What a predicament we place ourselves in!
Yet nothing could be further from the truth! We trust that God uses each of us in every situation that arises. He presents before us every person and every opportunity to help us overcome any problem or crises. The question is, what do we do first? When we are aware of God’s presence in all things, we know the hand of God is near us. When we truly believe that each person’s talent is a gift from God for the good of all of us, what an amazing piece of this huge puzzle we realize that we are! And our faith cannot help but grow. When we are able to disregard that our seeming inactivity to an outside observer, as we participate in personal prayer and petition, is in fact the most important action of all, we can rest in our faith. In faith, all that God has given us is viewed as the gift it is from Him. And like Ezra we will come to know and understand that God’s love is immeasurable and with confidence know that our gracious God is with us always, in all circumstances.
Thank you God for the gift of faith! Thank you for protecting us and showing us the way when our faith is tested.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson