The Hand of Our God
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 11/08/2026
The Hand of Our God
Foundation Scriptures:
Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God to seek from Him a straight and right way for us, our little ones, and all our possessions. 22 For I was ashamed to request of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy along the way, because we had told the king, The hand of our God is upon all them for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him. 23 So we fasted and besought our God for this, and He heard our entreaty. Ezra 8:21-23 AMPC
1. The Hand of God Brought Favor and Provision.
a. Ezra 7:6 AMPC –– And the king granted him all he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was upon him.
b. God gave Ezra favor with King Artaxerxes.
c. The king authorized the Israelites to return to Jerusalem.
d. He provided silver, gold, and resources from his treasury for the house of God.
e. He recognized God’s power and wanted His favor upon himself, his children, and his kingdom (Ezra 7:23).
f. God can move upon the hearts of even unbelieving rulers to accomplish His purposes.
g. When God’s hand is upon us, He can open doors, move hearts, and provide everything necessary to accomplish His will.
2. Ezra Prepared His Heart to Seek God.
a. Ezra 7:9-10 KJV –– …and on the first day of the fifth month came he to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. 10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
b. The good hand of the Lord was on Ezra because he was committed to seeking, obeying, and teaching God’s Word.
c. Ezra did not merely desire God’s blessings, but he desired to know God and walk in His ways.
d. God shows Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are perfect toward Him (2 Chr. 16:9).
e. God’s hand was upon Ezra, and Ezra’s heart was set upon God.
3. Ezra Did Not Take God’s Protection for Granted.
a. Ezra 8:22
b. Ezra had boldly testified to the king about God’s power and protection.
c. They were carrying enormous quantities of silver, gold, and precious treasures.
d. They had women and children traveling with them.
e. They faced a long, dangerous journey with enemies along the way.
f. Ezra was ashamed to ask the king for military protection after declaring his confidence in God.
g. However, Ezra did not become careless or presumptuous.
h. He understood the difference between faith and presumption.
i. Faith trusts God and depends upon Him.
j. Presumption expects God’s help without seeking Him.
k. Ezra knew that yesterday’s favor was no excuse to neglect seeking God today.
l. We must never become so accustomed to God’s blessings that we begin to take His presence and protection for granted.
m. Yesterday’s victories should encourage today’s faith, not replace today’s dependence upon God.
n. The more we experience the goodness of God, the more grateful, humble, and dependent upon Him we should become.
4. They Humbled Themselves and Sought the Lord.
a. Ezra 8:21
b. Ezra called the people to fast and pray for three specific things:
- Direction—a right way for themselves.
- Protection—safety for their children and families.
- Preservation—protection for everything entrusted to them.
c. Ezra 8:23
d. They humbled themselves, sought God, and He answered their prayers.
e. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your paths (Pro. 3:5–6).
f. We must never allow our confidence in God’s promises to replace our dependence upon Him.
5. The Hand of God Brought Them Safely Through.
a. Ezra 8:31 AMPC –– We left the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem; and the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the enemy and those who lay in wait by the way.
b. God heard their prayers.
c. God directed their steps.
d. God delivered them from their enemies.
e. God preserved their families and their treasures.
f. God brought them safely to Jerusalem.
g. God did not merely help them begin their journey. He brought them all the way through!
h. Psalms 121:7-8 NKJV –– The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth, and even forevermore.
6. Keep Seeking the Lord.
a. The king could give them permission, resources, and favor, but only God could give them divine protection.
b. Ezra understood that everything depended upon the good hand of God.
c. The hand of God is upon those who seek Him!
d. Never take His presence for granted.
e. Never presume upon His goodness.
f. Never become independent of His guidance.
g. Continue to humble yourself, seek His face, trust His Word, and obey His commands.
h. Hebrews 11:6 KJV –– …he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
i. The same God who opens the door is able to bring us safely through it.
j. Our confidence is not in our own strength, resources, or abilities, but in the good hand of our God upon us!
k. And may our testimony always be: “The hand of our God was upon us!” (Ezra 8:31).