But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

I couldn’t help connecting what is found in our chapter, Ezra 8, and the trust Ezra placed in the Lord with Romans 8:26-27: In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

The dance of Life. Our spirit with Holy Spirit. What is God’s will? That we draw near to Him and experience the blessing of His love.

Ezra is about to lead families back to Jerusalem. They had to wait for Levites when Ezra realized there were none assembled. Because the gracious hand of our God was on us, they brought us Sherebiah, a capable man, from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel, and Sherebiah’s sons and brothers, 18 in all; and Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and nephews, 20 in all. They also brought 220 of the temple servants – a body that David and the officials had established to assist the Levites. All were registered by name. v. 18-20.

And then Ezra proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. v. 21. A dance of faith. Instead of seeking protection from the king for their safety, they turned to God.

What about us today?

I can’t answer for you. I can share what I have found. After asking God to help me know Him, that desire has grown and led me to fellowship with others whose hearts also seek closeness with our Creator God. Some encounters are through God’s ministry, some through the writings of others sharing their love for God and understanding they have gleaned through lifetimes of study. Years have passed since that initial request and none have been wasted. I have been learning that the dance of life with God is trusting Him for all things. My spirit longing for communion with God propels me forward to closeness with Him that is real and needed. I can no longer imagine my life without God. No matter the trial or the joy He shares them with me and gives me strength. His grace is sufficient for me. The power of His loving Spirit overcomes my weaknesses of doubt and uncertainty and brings me gently Home to Him. I love this path with God. He is preparing me for eternity and it is Good. What about you?