People Can't Be Trusted

As Ezra prepared to return to Jerusalem with a large wave of exiles, he proclaimed a fast before they began their trek. They had a long and dangerous trip ahead of them. Not only were they a large number of people, they were also transporting a lot of valuables.

The purpose of the fast? "...that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him a safe journey..." (Ezra 8:21).

Ezra had told the king, "The hand of our God is for good on all who seek Him, and the power of His wrath is against all who forsake Him" (v 22).

They weren't going to ask for a retinue of soldiers to protect them, but were going to trust God to do what He said He would do.

And He did.

"The hand of our God was on us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way" (v 31b).

The returning exiles put their trust in God, rather than a mighty army. And God delivered them.

How often do we put our trust in a powerful army, rather than in God?

When I expect my boss to pay me and provide for my needs, I'm trusting in the army, rather than God.

When I expect my spouse to bring me joy, I'm trusting in the army, rather than God.

When I expect my friends to keep me from sin by checking in on me, I'm trusting in the army, rather than God.

When I expect the new car to bring me satisfaction, I'm trusting in the army, rather than God.

When I expect my church to solve my problems, I'm trusting in the army, rather than God.

When I expect anyone or anything to meet my needs, I'm not trusting God to do what He says He can do.

God may use people and things to fulfill His plans, but when I expect others to do what only God can do, I will be disappointed.