Who are we depending on?

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. For I was ashamed to request of the king an escort of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the road, because we had spoken to the king, saying, "The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him." So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer. - Ezra 8v21-23

This is interesting. Part of the reason that Ezra fasted and prayed is that Ezra had sort of ‘put God on the spot’ by telling everyone that God would be on their side as they dealt with the opposition. ‘I was ashamed,’ Ezra said, ‘to ask for an escort because we had told the king that our God is with those who seek Him and against those who oppose Him.’

What Ezra said was right. He knew the character of God. But when it came right down to it he at least contemplated whether it not he made the right decision. He still did not go hat in hand to the king. He did the right thing. He called for a time of fasting and prayer.

It is too easy to trust men. It is too easy to put our confidence in princes. We claim that our God can take of us, but at the moment we are faced with fear and confusion because of the financial difficulties. In Ireland we are all concerned because the ECB and IMF are in Ireland in discussions to take over the economy. Budget day is only a little over a fortnight away. What is going to happen on Budget Day we ask? Will it be another ‘day of infamy?’

Are we really that reliant on man? Does man have that much control over us? Can God really supply all our needs?

Ezra led the people to fast and pray. They fasted and entreated God. And God answered.

We are facing unknown, but surely difficult days. Are we going to depend of Brian Cowen, Brian Lenihan, and the EU officials? Or do we have the confidence in God and His word to fast and entreat Him? Who has the better chance of answering?