The hand of our God was on us, and he protected us from enemies and bandits along the way. (Ezra 8:31)
Expanded Passage: Ezra 8:31-32
During a walk with friends one of our children experienced supernatural protection at age eight. The adult who grabbed him from being hit by an oncoming car was there one minute and gone the next. Our friend—the sole adult in charge of our combined gaggle of kids that day—attested to a human presence who appeared, helped, and then disappeared, keeping our son unharmed. We all praised God that heaven intervened in that moment.
Perhaps you have also experienced visible evidence of the hand of God on you or a loved one at some point, keeping them from danger. I wonder how often this happens while we are blissfully unaware.
Ezra testified that the Lord held back enemies that might otherwise have caused them harm. Their traveling party was ripe for invasion while transporting thousands of pounds of silver, polished bronze, and gold to be presented at the temple. But they had fasted and prayed, seeking God’s protection. The Lord gave Ezra a glimpse of the collision of dimensions, the supernatural invading the natural, as he ensured his plan for the Israelites came to fruition. He was simultaneously at work in the physical and the spiritual realms as his people returned from Babylon.
Our vision is finite but God’s is infinite. We can seek his hand of protection in this realm as we go about his business.
Seek God’s hand of protection and follow him confidently.
Elizabeth Rhyno is a Wesleyan worship and discipleship pastor and entrepreneur. She enjoys helping people deepen their intimacy with the Lord and grow in their joyful purpose.
© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
