It's worth reading the verses before the one we're studying now, starting at 12 and going up to 27. See how God moved the hand of the Persian kings, leading them to accomplish what He inspired them to do. When a person serves the Lord and is called to cooperate with His work, the heavenly storehouses open up for him. Thus, they will lack nothing until the divine plan is completed. Fearing the devil is not part of our faith!

          Ezra ends chapter 7 by saying that the Lord extended His beneficence - the art of doing good - to him before the king, his counselors and all the powerful princes. This proves that behind our faith lies the hand of the Almighty. He has brought us this far to do more than we think we have to (Ephesians 3:20). With God ahead leading us, we will do wonders!

           Does it matter if Hell rises up against us and threatens us? No, because we have the Almighty dwelling within us. The devil's cries don't matter to us, and his foolishness won't stop us from going to the end, when we will rest in our lot (Daniel 12:13). Anointed by God, we will fulfill our mission. No one will stop us, because we are more than conquerors!

           Darius was used as God's servant to make it possible to build the temple and give those who wanted to return to Israel full permission. The costs of rebuilding and maintenance - including the costs of sacrifices and other solemnities and obligations - would be met from the king's treasury. See how much you and your brothers will achieve in life by serving God, who takes care of His own.

The king didn't declare this in secret, subtracting from his treasury without anyone knowing. He acted in front of the authorities of his kingdom, with his advisors and all the princes as witnesses. What God will do in His work for the world is far greater than anyone can imagine. We must strive and act according to the power granted by the Lord. Let's take our desires out of our hearts and serve the Most High!

           Never strive according to your own strength, but, like Ezra, do according to the mighty hand of the Lord upon you. The prophet knew how to put himself in the place of a representative of the Most High, as the world has never seen and will never see. He gave himself up wholeheartedly and was thus used by the Almighty. We must not waste time looking at difficulties, but act in line with the character, honor and glory of the Father.

God said to Joshua, when he appointed him as Moses' replacement to carry out His work: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1.9).

         In Christ, with love,

        R. R. Soares