The hand of the LORD my God was on me; I took courage and gathered  Ezra 7:28

Praising: Praise be to the LORD, the God of our fathers, Ezra 7:27a. Ezra started giving his testimony by giving praise to the Lord. Do we praise the Lord for what he has done, or are we lost in present challenges. Praising is power.

Testifying: Who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem in this way and who has extended his good favor to me .. Ezra 7:28b Ezra’s testifies that Lord changed the king’s heart favourable to God’s children. Trust in the Lord, surround us with love and faithfulness, word says Lord will give us favour from God and man.

Confidence: Because the hand of the LORD my God was on me. Ezra 7:28 a. Ezra was sure that the hand of the Lord was with him. Are we sure we have Lord on our side? Are we sure Lord is in control of our situation? Why are we then scared of our situations?

Action: I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me. Ezra 7:28b. Ezra being sure of Lord’s companionship, He took courage and gathered people and went forward to build the temple. Are we in standstill situation or are we moving forward to do God’s will to build his kingdom.

Prayer: Lord, I praise you, who gave me favour, I praise because your hand is upon me Lord. I will work by your help. Amen.