2/8/21 - WHAT HAVE YOU TOLD THEM ABOUT ME?

What have you told the world about your God? Having second thoughts or still convinced?

“And there by the Ahava Canal, I gave orders for all of us to fast and humble ourselves before our God. We prayed that He would give us a safe journey and protect us, our children, and our goods as we traveled. For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way.

After all, we had told the king, “Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship Him, but His fierce anger rages against those who abandon Him. So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and He heard our prayer.” ‭‭Ezra‬ ‭8:21-23‬

As I read this passage of scripture the verses I have underlined resonated in my spirit. Have we been standing on the testimonies we have shared with unbelievers? In good times we tend to boast about God, but what about when difficulties arise, are we still confident? He’s the same God whether times are good or bad, happy or sad. I heard the song coming on couldn’t resist.

Ezra had boasted of Jehovah’s power to not only protect but deliver. Now he was faced with a dilemma. He can’t go to the king, even though he had supported him before, with the goods he needed for the temple. Asking for protection was quite different. You must read chapter 7. God had favored Ezra, king Artaxerses was very generous even though he was an unbeliever. Ezra must’ve made quite an impression on him.

What I loved about this account was that Ezra was very transparent. He didn’t hide his concern, they were carrying a lot of very valuable things and the journey would not be without its challenges. The one thing the king didn’t offer was protection. So instead of compromising, he called for a fast. Whenever we’re faced with difficult situations, the worst thing to do is turn to man for help. Had Ezra asked him for military assistance I believe the king would have granted it, because it was obvious he feared Ezra’s God, but it would’ve weakened his testimony. He chose to honor Jehovah by relying on Him for protection.

During this pandemic the Lord gave me a promise. Luke 10:19. I have stood on that promise and will continue to do so. When non-believers ask me why I’m not afraid, I share that promise. I hug and embrace those who want to, with or without a mask. I invite them into my home mask free. Why? I have a promise. Standing on God’s Word is my witness. If I am freaking out, then everything I have told them about Jesus becomes a lie. Like Ezra, I choose to seek the Lord rather than the voices of the so-called experts. Mr. Fauci the “ unparalleled expert of all things Covid “ is suggesting, after saying the masks weren’t necessary, that we now wear two instead of one. no scientific reason, just that it makes sense🤦‍♀️ I’d rather trust the Word of God.

Ezra did what we all should be doing to keep our witness authentic. Turn to God when you haven’t got the answer. Turn to God when life doesn’t make sense. Turn to God when you’re between a rock and a hard place. Even if you can get help from man, remember your testimony and turn to God. If you’ll study the scriptures you’ll find that those who turned to the arm of flesh over Jehovah, their situation didn’t end well. The Old Testament is rife with stories of godly people turning to man or false gods for help. Their outcome was tragic. Ezra was wise. Read what I underlined again. That’s how we should approach every situation we face. Seek His guidance and help first and foremost. The last line reads. “ And He heard our prayer.” Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

Some of us are in the situations that we are because we forgot what we told the unbelievers about our God. They’re left scratching their heads looking at us. I worked with a former agnostic, I said former because after meeting and observing my life and testimony, she told her mom, “there’s something to this God stuff, because I’ve watched Winsome face challenges, and she never lost her faith.” Before long she wanted to know everything about my God. Hallelujah!

Andre Crouch had this line in his song “Through It All”- “trials come to make us strong.” Had Ezra not turned to Jehovah, king Artaxerxes would’ve received the glory that Jehovah God deserved.

Our witness and testimony is only as good as the trials we go through. If we faint in the day of adversity the Bible says, our strength or faith is small, or you lack courage. Has your testimony proved to be a challenge during your time of testing? Have you backed off of testifying about the faithfulness and goodness of God. Have you lost your confidence in His ability to keep you safe and protected from Covid or any other calamities? The world is watching.

“If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭24:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The writer of the Hebrews wrote these words. “So don’t lose your bold, courageous faith, for you are destined for a great reward! You need the strength of endurance to reveal the poetry of God’s will and then you receive the promise in full. For soon and very soon, “The One who is appearing will come without delay!” And He also says, “My righteous ones will live from My faith. But if fear holds them back, My soul is not content with them!” But we are certainly not those who are held back by fear and perish; we are among those who have faith and experience true life!” ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:35-39‬ ‭TPT‬‬

So my brothers and sisters, what have you been saying and doing lately? Have you been seeking the Lord like Ezra to protect your testimony about Jehovah? Or have you sent mixed messages concerning your faith in God? If fear holds you back, God cannot protect you. He backs His Name and Word. When has He ever promised and not delivered? I know not when. He has always been faithful to me. Is that your truth? Jesus asked the disciples this probing question. Let’s go read it together.

“When Jesus came to Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples this question: “What are the people saying about Me, the Son of Man? Who do they believe I Am?” They answered, “Some are convinced you are John the Baptizer, others say you are Elijah reincarnated, or Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.” “ But you—who do you say that I Am?” Jesus asked.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭16:13-15‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Did you catch that? Ezra did. And Jehovah came through for him. He’ll come through for us too. If we are confident in who He is.

So my question for you is this: Are your family, friends, associates and others who you have told about your good God, convinced by observing your life that He’s everything you claim He is? When the church is convinced instead of being capricious in its behavior. The world will take notice and reverently fear our God. If we fail to live authentic lives, say one thing yet live another, we endanger those who are seeking the Truth, the Holy Spirit said we are living perniciously. I had to look up the definition. Our subtle inconsistencies are damaging. What have you been doing and saying that has contradicted your testimony? I can sense by the words He’s using that He’s not pleased. It’s time to choose a side. Faith or doubt, we either believe His Word or we don’t! The world is watching.

Egregious: the last word He gave me in prayer. He basically said we are bringing shame to His Word and Name through unbelief, preaching faith and living doubt. He’s given us permission to use His Word and Name, but we have misused it, denying it of its power and authority. God is not pleased with His body as a whole, but as in Elijah’s day He has preserved a remnant. Are you one that He can count on?

Written by permission of the Holy Spirit

W. Tennant