Purpose Study Bible 344: Grace for the Journey

When Ezra appears in the book bearing his name, we're told:

“Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king . . . for the gracious hand of his God was on him” (Ezra 7:8-9).

The Bible describes something that may take only a moment to read, but it required much longer to unfold. In this case, Ezra traveled from Babylon to Jerusalem over a period of four months. The journey covered difficult terrain and required endurance, planning, and perseverance.

How was he able to make the journey? The writer tells us it was because “the gracious hand of his God was on him.” When God’s hand is on you, it doesn't prevent difficult assignments or long journeys. Instead, it energizes you to do more than you could do on your own.

God didn't pick Ezra up and carry him to Jerusalem. Ezra still had to prepare for the trip and then walk it out. The same is true for you. What have you been putting off because it will take a long time or require more effort than you want to give?

It was the gracious hand of God that strengthened Ezra, and it will be the grace of God that empowers you. God’s grace meets you when you're willing to make the journey from where you are to where He wants you to be.