"TAKE COURAGE"

Ezra 10:1-4

“While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and lying face down on the ground in front of the Temple of God, a very large crowd of people from Israel—men, women, and children—gathered and wept bitterly with him. 2 Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, a descendant of Elam, said to Ezra, “We have been unfaithful to our God, for we have married these pagan women of the land. But in spite of this there is hope for Israel. 3 Let us now make a covenant with our God to divorce our pagan wives and to send them away with their children. We will follow the advice given by you and by the others who respect the commands of our God. Let it be done according to the Law of God. 4 Get up, for it is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things straight. We are behind you, so be strong and take action.”(NLT)

BLESS THE LORD OH MY SOUL!! AND ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME, BLESS HIS HOLY NAME.

Truly it is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, for His mercies endures forever.  I give God thanks for you today and all that He is doing in your life. As children of God, we have a hope in Christ Jesus that no matter the struggles we encounter in this life, His promises still stand. Have you been feeling weak or weary? Many times, especially during the holiday seasons, it can be a challenge. Take courage in the Lord, for He is your refuge and strength. Taking courage in the Lord is fueled by faith, and faith is believing God’s promises. The Psalmist David, loved to encourage himself in the Lord; Psalms 27:13-14(NLT), says, “Yet, I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.” 

We all have a responsibility in the body of Christ, to encourage each other in the Lord. Hebrews 3:12-14(NLT) states, “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today”, so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.”  

We see a beautiful example of “TAKING COURAGE” in Ezra 10, as he prayed, making his confession, weeping, and bowing in the temple of God. Ezra, whose name means “help”, was a priest, a scribe, a teacher- who found favor with the Persian king during the reign of Artaxerxes. The Persian king commissioned him to lead a group of Jewish exiles back to Jerusalem. Ezra, passion for the Word of God, helps lead the hearts of the people back to God through His Word. The scripture tells us, a large crowd of people from Israel- men, women, and children gathered with him weeping bitterly. Despite the people’s unfaithfulness to the Lord, they believed there was hope for Israel. They were led by great examples, showing them the vitality of saving their souls from the wrath of God. 

 The people remembered there is hope in the Lord, as well as encouraged their leaders to be strong. As I read this scripture, it revealed to me the positive impact we can provide to each other in the body, as well as those who are leaders in our life by submitting to their leadership. These leaders could be in your church (Pastor/Ministers), Job (Managers/Administrators), or anyone that’s a spiritual leader you look up to. 

A great Biblical example that comes to remembrance is the forerunner of Jesus, John the Baptist. Jesus said to His disciples, John was more than just a prophet, but there was none greater than him. Yet even so, when John was in prison, and he heard about all Jesus was doing, John sent his disciples to ask Jesus- if He was the Messiah, they were expecting or should they look for another (Matthew 11). Yes, John was one of the greatest, however, he had moments of becoming weary, but amidst it all, he was able to “TAKE COURAGE” with the support from the people he led to Jesus. 

Moses was another great example, as a leader, who had to lead the people out of Egypt. He also needed encouragement and help. He experienced struggles that couldn’t be conquered on his own. “When Moses’ father-in-law (Jethro) saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he asked, “What are you really accomplishing here? Why are you trying to do all this alone while everyone stands around you from morning till evening” (Exodus 18:15). Jethro was excited to hear all that Moses did for the people of God, however, he saw how the burden was too heavy for one person to carry. Jethro not only gave Moses words of advice and leadership direction, but encouragement, that if God commands him to do so, then he will be able to endure the pressures (Exodus 18:23). 

As a Servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, I encourage you, to “TAKE COURAGE”, for you’re not alone. Take the time to encourage your leaders, friends, loved ones, and even a stranger who might be going through a difficult time in this season. We all need each other to survive this walk of faith in Christ Jesus. Most importantly, making it your God-given purpose daily to save a lost soul!  

Encouraging Scriptures:

John 16:33 “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world” (NLT)

Deuteronomy 31:6 “So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you” (NLT).

Please take the time to read the scriptures throughout. 

Our Prayer:

Lord, we thank You for your faithfulness & mercies towards us. For truly if it had not been for You on our side, where would we be? It is in You Lord we live, move, and have our being. We thank You for being the Author and Finisher of our faith! Lord, your word declares, “Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sins and restore their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Lord, we repent of our sins, and pray that You will wash us and search our hearts if there is anything that is not of You, please take it away. Thank You for being a Father that we can always come to with a broken heart and contrite spirit. With hope that You will restore us the joy of salvation. We pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding; remembering to trust in You with all our hearts, not depending on our own understanding but to acknowledge You in all our ways and You will direct our path. Lord, we thank You, for the relationship we have with You- for this joy is greater than anything this world can offer. We pray that our minds will be stayed on You- as we keep our eyes on calvary’s cross in Jesus’ name.