Have you ever asked someone for help but got tired of waiting for their help to come, so you proceeded without their help. We do this with God. We ask for help or wisdom but then get frustrated in waiting for the answer to our prayer and just move forward on our own. Ezra and the people of God fasted and implored God for protection on their journey. They could have ask the king for soldiers to protect them, but they waited upon God.
Ezra 8:22-23 says, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him. So, we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.” Ezra had declared that God would protect the people of God, so although he could have asked the king to provide soldiers for their journey, he decided to trust God instead. He began by praying and waiting upon God. Then, the people were ready to go forward in faith, trusting in their good God.
Reluctant Retiree 