Fast Friends, Biblical Results Of Fasting And PrayerSample

EZRA PROCLAIMS A FAST

Ezra was a scribe who studied, obeyed, and taught the word of God to the Israelites. Ezra felt called of God to leave Babylon to lead the Jews back to Jerusalem, returning to their homeland where he would teach them God's law. God moved King Artaxerxes heart to give Ezra and the Jews his blessing to go, sending many valuables with them. Ezra told the king that his gracious God would protect them. While camping at the Ahava Canal before setting out to Jerusalem, Ezra proclaimed a fast.

Ezra and the Jews humbled themselves before God asking Him for protection and a safe journey for them and their children. Scripture says Ezra was ashamed to ask the King for soldiers to protect them and the valuables because he had stated that God's hand would protect them. He didn't want the king to think they had lost faith in God. Ezra knew that going to God collectively—in humility, fasting and prayer—would move the heart of God. The Result? They fasted and prayed about it and God answered their prayers!

Ezra was known for his Godly nature, study, and teaching of God's word, fasting, and prayer before the Lord and leadership. What can you incorporate into your life to follow Ezra's example?