The Good Hand of the Lord
Today’s Verse:
Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and he delivered us from the hand of the enemy, and of such as lay in wait by the way. ~Ezra 8:31
Years ago, Allstate Insurance Company® branded the slogan, “You’re in good hands with Allstate®.” When it comes to insurance, this is an important statement. When we say that someone is in good hands, we are referring to the fact that they are well taken care of and should have no fear. Several times, the good hand of the Lord is mentioned upon Ezra and the people of Jerusalem. What does it mean to have the good hand of the Lord upon you?
It demonstrates His capability.
The good hand of the Lord speaks of His strength and power. It refers to His approval upon us for His blessing. God desires to put His hand on His people for good. His hand is always strong and never weak. His hand upon us is the game changer when it comes to winning souls, starting and building churches, serving others, and exercising great faith. Without His hand upon us, we are like other men and powerless. Never underestimate or discount the good hand of the Lord upon you.
It reveals His covering.
Ezra and the people were protected by the hand of the Lord. When they departed from the River Ahava, they did not request the king’s help for protection. After prayer and fasting, they were settled in their heart that God would protect them from attack and robbery by thieves and bands of robbers. God heard their prayer and gave them the protection that they requested. I believe that we should ask for God’s protective hand on us wherever we go. Without the covering of His hand, we are at risk of all kinds of attacks from Satan, the flesh, and the world.
We see His coordination.
“And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen.” The good hand of the Lord precisely coordinates bringing the right people at the right time into our lives to help us. We see the leading in His hand. Like a master chess player, His hand moves people strategically to fulfill His plan. His timing always exceeds our expectations and demonstrates the greatness of His working on our behalf.
We are instilled with confidence.
Ezra personally experienced God’s good hand in his ministry. He knew that as long as he remained obedient to the Lord, His hand would be on him. We can have complete faith in God’s performance on our behalf in every endeavor we do in faith. God is glorified when we allow His good hand to be upon us. God shows Himself strong when we pray for and depend upon His hand on us.
Do you trust in the good hand of the Lord for your life? Are you praying that His mighty hand is completely upon you? Have faith in God and in what His good hand will do for you.
Have a satisfied God Morning!
Bible Reading: Luke 19-20