I believe this is for somebody other than me.

“Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions” (Ezra 8:21 NKJV).

The Right Way!

Being overconfident in one’s own knowledge and wisdom as opposed to seeking divine guidance and understanding is folly. God’s word says, “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise…let him become a fool that he may become wise” (1 Corinthians 3:18). The Greek philosopher, Socrates, seems to have understood this. After being called “the wisest man” by the Oracle of Delphi, he responded, “All I know is that I know nothing.”  

Before we attempt to do anything, make a decision, go anywhere, or accomplish a mission, we should consult with God and ask Him to show us the right way. When God gives you a mission, something He wants you to do, i.e., a business idea, a ministry project, or any assignment, it is not because you know how to accomplish it. It is not because you have all the required skills, all the knowledge, and know just what to do, but because you don’t and therefore must and will “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Ezra, a Hebrew captive in Babylon, was given a mission by God to lead a group of Hebrews on a five-month journey back to Jerusalem. They set out with all their families, including little children and all their possessions, not knowing what obstacles or enemies they would encounter along the way. Ezra paused by the Ahava River near the beginning of the trip and proclaimed a fast to seek the right way for the people, their little ones, and their possessions. In Ezra 8:23, Ezra testified, “So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer.” When we put the mission God gives us in His hands and seek His divine guidance, we can be confident that it will be accomplished the right way!

My wife and I were given a Kingdom mission a couple of years ago, which I honestly felt I had no understanding of how it could be accomplished. I still don’t know. But two days ago, God directed me to this scripture in Ezra, which I have written about before, and caused me to ponder on three words I had not focused on before—”the right way.” I was not just struck by how plain and simple God was speaking to me, but I am also now confident that through fasting and prayer, He will show us the right way to accomplish our mission. 

Perhaps God has something He has given you to do, and your thoughts are like mine. My thoughts were, I do not think we are the right ones to do this. But God said…

Focus Quote: “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways… For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”                    

                                                  –Isaiah 55:8, 9 (NKJV)

Speaking of promises, please click the link below to see how to obtain a copy of my book, Standing on the Promises: Defeating Fear and Breaking Barriers

 altonesumner.com – an inspiring motivational ministry.

Note please: Please continue to pray. Just connect to God and pray! I will also join you in prayer. There is power in agreement!