A military escort would have made perfect sense for that band of pilgrims. But a holy shame wouldn't let Ezra ask for one. He feared the pagan king would think his bold professions of faith were empty hypocrisy. Or worse—that he'd conclude the God of Israel couldn't even protect his own worshippers! Ezra could not bring himself to lean on an arm of flesh when this was so evidently the Lord's business. So the caravan set out with no visible protection, guarded only by Him who is both sword and shield to His people.

I fear that few believers today feel this holy jealousy for God's honor. Even those who walk by faith still mar the luster of their testimony by craving help from man. What a blessed thing to have no props and no buttresses—to stand upright on the Rock of Ages, upheld by the Lord alone!

Would any believers seek government funding for their churches if they remembered how it dishonors the Lord? As if God couldn't supply the needs of His own cause! Should we run so hastily to friends and family for help if we remembered that the Lord is magnified by our implicit trust in His solitary arm?

My soul, wait thou only upon God!

"But," someone objects, "shouldn't we use practical means?" Assuredly we should! But our fault seldom lies in neglecting them. Far more frequently it springs from foolishly believing in them instead of believing in God. Few run too far in neglecting human help. But very many sin greatly in making too much of it.

Learn, dear reader, to glorify the Lord by leaving means untried—if using them would dishonor the name of the Lord. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is refuse the help that's right in front of you.