8:22 I was ashamed. Ezra’s example here is worth noting in relation to the carrying out of Christian ministries today, relying not on secular influence or political enforcement for the accomplishment of his goal, but on God alone. After genuine submission to God, accompanied by fasting and prayer, and for the sake of a consistent spiritual testimony before the king, they proceeded in faith, and God honored this with His full protection during a long and dangerous journey (Ezra 8:31).