Dear brothers and sisters, today we are going to meditate on Ezra 7:6. "The king had granted Ezra everything he asked for because the gracious and favourable hand of God was upon him." Ezra was a scribe who taught and interpreted the Scriptures throughout the land. As he proclaimed the Word of God, the Lord’s hand was with him.

What does it mean to have the hand of God with us? It means that God Himself is present in our midst. Yes, God was with the Israelites when they wandered in the wilderness. God was with the Israelites when the Egyptians tortured them. When the Lord struck the Egyptians with nine plagues, the magicians in Egypt also tried to perform miracles. But at a certain point, they could no longer do so. Then they said, as recorded in Exodus 8:19, “This is the finger of God.”

Even the enemies recognised that God was with the Israelites. The Bible says in Deuteronomy 5:15 that the Lord’s strong hand was with them. Likewise, dear friend, the Lord’s presence will be with you too. In Acts 11:20–21, when believers who had gone to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching, the Lord’s hand was with them. Yes, the Lord empowered them as they preached.

In ancient days, it was not easy to preach the Word of God. But whenever they preached the Word, the Lord empowered them with the Holy Spirit. That was the hand of God. Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” With the power of the Holy Spirit, they could preach the Word throughout the world. With the power of the Holy Spirit, men of God could travel to different places and preach the Gospel.

Yes, dear friends, even in our family, whenever we gathered together as a family, the Lord would give us a prophetic word. After listening to His prophetic word, we would receive so much confidence. Then we would know that God was with us. Yes, the hand of God will be with you too, dear friend. The Word says, “The gracious hand of the Lord his God was on him.” May God’s hand strengthen you even today.

Prayer:
Loving Heavenly Father, what a privilege it is to have You with us always. Thank You for coming down to be with us as Emmanuel. Empower Your children and give them confidence that You are with them. I especially pray for the servants of God. Let Your presence fill them without measure. Whenever they proclaim Your Word, go with them and perform miracles. As You sent the disciples and promised to be with them to the very end of the age, go with Your children and make them signs and wonders. Let them be channels of blessing. Let Your power come upon them as it came upon Ezra and the disciples. Empower their hands to perform miracles and use them for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.