Joel M Bradshaw

27Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who put such a thing as this into the heart of the king, to beautify the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem, 28and who extended to me his steadfast love before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty officers. I took courage, for the hand of the LORD my God was on me, and I gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me.–Ezra 7

1. Ezra the priest and scribe was given freedom to return to Jerusalem.
2. He was also given supplies to restore he Temple.
3. Ezra responded with courage.
4. He recognized that God had been faithful to provide this and was with him.
5. We might face difficult tasks or situations in life.
6. But we know that the harder choice we face honors God the most.
7. So we take courage and depend upon God’s provision as we do the next right thing that honors God. I can look back at key times in my life and see this principle at work. I encourage you to add it to your toolbox.–JMB