Are you functioning in your own strength? (116-4)

Christian leaders understand the one true source of their courage. Read Ezra 7:27-28.

Ezra received a letter from King Artaxerxes of Persia allowing him to return to Jerusalem to bring religious revival to the Jews living there. It had been 58 years since the temple in Jerusalem had been completed and worship of the one true God restored to Judea. The problem was that over time the people had compromised their worship and had mixed the religions of the people living around them in the land with their worship of God. Ezra had a major job ahead of him.

Ezra was highly qualified for the job. He had every right to find confidence in his ability. According to verses early in Chapter 7, he had credentials that were very impressive and was an expert leader and teacher of God’s law. Ezra had every reason to find courage in his own ability because the king gave him written authority to rule with an iron hand should he choose to do so. Ezra also had resources, both human and financial, granted by the king of Persia. This is a perfect situation for human courage to take over and demonstrate what can be done with unlimited resources backed by unlimited power yet Ezra demonstrated to his team that he knew the only true source of courage; “Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me” (v 28b). Wise godly leaders know the one source of courage.

Have you been functioning in your own strength and finding courage in yourself to meet the needs of the day? How is that working for you? There is a source of courage for Christian leaders that brings the same true confidence and courage found by Ezra.

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.