One of the most desirable elements in life and ministry is summed up in the phrase “The hand of God”. Ezr 8:22(ESV)“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.” It speaks of God’s power, God’s influence, and active involvement to bring about His divine purpose.
See what happens when the hand of God is on a person: Ezr 7:28(BBE) And has given mercy to me before the king and his government and before all the king's great captains. And I was made strong by the hand of the Lord my God which was on me, and I got together out of Israel chief men to go up with me. You are made strong. Another translation would say “I took courage”. What makes one strong and firm in the face of impossible situations? Courage and strength come from the hand of God on you. Do not go to alcohol or look at bank balances. The hand of God on Elijah made him run faster than Ahab's chariot: 1Kgs 18:46 And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah, and he gathered up his garment and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel
Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem. The hand of our God was on us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambushes by the way Ezr 8:31(ESV). There is a cry because of insecurity in the land. Kidnapping is rife; even those asleep in their houses have been taken. The hand of God guarantees safety.
Getting capable men, reliable people to work with you is crucial, as no man is an island. Many a venture has stalled and died for lack of capable men. When the hand of God is on you, that changes: Ezr 8:18(NIV) Because the gracious hand of our God was on us, they brought us Sherebiah, a capable man, from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel, and Sherebiah's sons and brothers.
How about the matter of favour before men? Before Kings and men of influence and resources? Ezr 7:6(ESV) Ezra went up from Babylonia… and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the LORD his God was on him. Note that this happened not only with Ezra: Neh2:8 (ESV) And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me. Did you notice that it was everything Ezra asked for that he received? Why twist your speech to extract money from men when the hand of God will bring everything you need, all you ask? Instead of running after men or positioning yourself to be seen by men to get favour or resources, get the hand of God upon you.
It is what makes people know He is God: Ex 7:5(ESV) The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them. Is it only in the Old Testament that we see this? No: Acts 11:21 (ISV) The hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number of people believed and turned to the Lord. Would to God we would cry out to God for His face, and His hand will be on us, rather than for money on evangelism. Surely this is the meaning of “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”!Mt28:20 (ESV)
Lest you think these are not for us today, remember Ezr 8:22(ESV)“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.” It is for all. For us. Now, please note that it is those who seek Him, not seek His hand. Those who seek Him. 2Chr16:9(ISV) The LORD's eyes keep on roaming throughout the earth, looking for those whose hearts completely belong to him, so that he may strongly support them.
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