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Pastor Lud Golz
Pastor Lud Golz

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  Home | Transcript Archive | December | December 03, 2019

Tuesday, December 03, 2019

In our last program, we began studying Ezra 8:21-23.  After spreading out the information in these verses, we sorted it and structured it into an outline. 

1. Ezra’s testimony: He affirmed to the king that God would protect them. 

2. Ezra’s test:  When he got to where bandits were known to operate he was afraid, but ashamed to go back to the king for help, he had the people fast and pray.

3. Ezra’s triumph: They arrived safely in Jerusalem.

In reviewing Ezra’s experience, we could summarize what we learned into applications.  First, a faith testimony is given before faith is put to the test.  Many believers only give a testimony about what’s already happened.  That’s better than no testimony, but it’s risk-free.  It’s safe.  Have you ever expressed confidence in God before that confidence was tested?  Ezra did.  When tested he saw the danger they faced.  His experience was a true testimony of faith. 

A second application: When tested by being tempted to second-guess yourself, don’t compromise.  That would discredit what in good faith you declared about God.  Stretch your faith in such circumstances.  Pray.  Call on others to pray.  Yes, even call for fasting.  God honors serious faith testimonies that are backed up by a continued exercise of faith in prayer and fasting. 

It’s in the crucible of such trials that your faith is purified, perfected and strengthened.  God delights to honor such faith through the triumphs He grants.

 

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