to those who worship Him…

The remnant of Israel wanted to return to Jerusalem to begin worshipping God again a the newly-built Temple.  This group (about 2,000 men plus their families) will eventually survive and grow into the group who exist in the days of Jesus – about 500 years later.  How did they return, survive, and grow?  It was through the power of God.

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. (Ezra 8:21 NLT)

They went to the LORD and asked God for provision.  They went to the LORD and asked God for protection.  They went to the LORD and asked God to grow their people, Israel, into another nation.  The LORD God said, “Yes.”

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." (Ezra 8:22 NLT)

It’s interesting to see that sometimes they are held accountable by their own words.  They said that God protects those who worship Him.  Then, they needed to act on that faith.  They had seen God’s Word come true many times in the past – both the good and the bad promises.  Now it was time to put their actions where their words were.  And, when they did, God provided.

So we fasted and earnestly prayed that our God would take care of us, and He heard our prayer. (Ezra 8:23 NLT)

God wants to grow His Kingdom.  God wants more people who will walk with Him.  God wants all of us to experience the benefits and blessings that come from walking with Him.  When we trust these things and worship Him, God provides the growth.

How about you?  Do you believe that God wants to grow His Kingdom?  Do you think God likes it when people walk with Him?  Do you know that God gives benefits and blessings to those who walk with Him?  Do you worship the LORD, trusting God to provide the growth?