Rise Up! Lessons From Ezra On Walking With Your Head Held HighSample
The Israelites were living in exile in Babylon. God called Ezra to return
to Jerusalem to instruct the people in His ways. As Ezra prepared for the journey, God was with him. Six times in just two chapters of the book of Ezra, the Bible notes that the hand of the Lord was on Ezra. Jehovah was certainly active in helping Ezra.
Godâs hand was on Ezra for favor, direction, encouragement, provision, protection and rescue. Everything was going Ezraâs way. After a safe, successful journey to Jerusalem, he runs into trouble.
The Jewish leaders approached Ezra informing him that many of the people, including some of the priests, had disobeyed the Lord and intermarried with the people of the land. They had brazenly taken on the practices of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Egyptians, and others.
When Ezra heard this, he tore his clothes, pulled the hair from his head, and sat down completely shocked. He finds himself beaten down, utterly discouraged, heartbroken, hurt, and disappointed. The people he was called to lead and to teach the Word of God decided to boldly disobey Godâs command and simply do whatever they wanted instead.
We, like Ezra, are going to encounter difficulties, hurts, and disappointments. We are going to have times in our lives when we feel beaten down and discouraged. But in the midst of our heartbreak, it doesnât mean the Lord isnât with us.
Just because youâre discouraged doesnât mean the hand of the Lord isnât on you.
Just because it feels like your work life has taken two steps backwards doesnât mean the hand of the Lord isnât on you.
Just because youâre tired doesnât mean the hand of the Lord isnât on you.
Just because a friend you love has moved out of town doesnât mean the hand of the Lord isnât on you.
Just because youâre being gossiped about... Just because your marriage is hurting...
Just because you're lonely...
Just because your kids are rebelling...
Just because people are standing in the way of your dreams...
Just because your hard work isnât yielding the results you hoped for doesnât mean the hand of the Lord isnât on you.
The gracious hand of God can be on our lives, and we can still face difficulty.
About this Plan
Rise up! You are not held back by your past mistakes or present hurts. Not pressed down by your current heartbreak or a stagnant life. Take courage! Do your best to stay authentic, courageous, risky, and real. Overcome obstacles with your head held high. Live in faith, not fear. Go do it! Youâre empowered to be who you are created to be. Rise Up. Take Courage. Go Do It.
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