God Moves Hearts

And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem. Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem. (Ezra 1:4-5)

In Ezra 1:4-5, we see a powerful example of God’s provision for His people and His ability to stir the heart of anyone to fulfill His purposes. In this verse, we see God use King Cyrus. Cyrus was a ruler who did not serve the God of Israel, but God moved upon him, and he decided to support rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem. Cyrus’ commitment wasn’t cheap. Rebuilding the Temple was an expensive undertaking. The Scripture indicates that silver, gold, goods, and beasts were given for God’s purpose of rebuilding the Temple.

When the heathen king acted, others responded to the call. The men of Judah and Benjamin also stood to return to Jerusalem and contribute to the rebuilding effort.

God can use anyone, regardless of position or history, to provide for His purposes. Believe that God can provide for your needs through unexpected sources, people, or situations. Trust and follow Him; His favor will go before you like a shield. However, our desire for God to move upon the hearts of others should not be separated from our willingness to allow God to move upon our own. When you feel God stirring your heart to give generously, respond immediately. Whether contributing to a cause, volunteering, or leading a project, your obedience fulfills God’s purposes on earth. King Cyrus’s decree is a testament to God's ability to stir the hearts of anyone who wants His work completed. 

Practical Application

Reflect on how God has unexpectedly provided for you. Consider how you can be a vessel of His provision for others. Are there areas where God is stirring your heart to act? How can you respond to His call with generosity and faith?

1 Chronicles 29:3; 1 Chronicles 29:9

Courage to Follow God

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. (Ezra 1:1-3)

In Ezra 1, the people of God found themselves in a situation they never would have expected to be in. Yet, in difficulty, God’s mercy still showed when they turned to Him in faith. We must trust that God has a plan and that we play a part in it, even in the most challenging times. Our courage is not founded upon our ability to do the right things or our wisdom to know what we should do in every instance. We can be strong and courageous because we have a relationship with the One who does know.

God will move upon who He needs to fulfill His plan for your life. Never think you are too far behind or that it has been too long to follow His plan. He will influence the hearts of those around you to support His plan when you are courageous enough to obey Him with all your heart, soul, and mind.

Practical Application

When you feel unsure about your direction, or fear tries to creep on you about your current assignment, say aloud: “God is moving the hearts of others on my behalf.” Then, step out courageously to do whatever God has laid upon your heart.

Daniel 6:26; Joshua 1:9

Pray for the Lord to Stir Leaders

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The Lord his God be with him, and let him go up. (2 Chronicles 36:22-23)

How are you praying for your current political leadership? How are you praying for the leaders all over the world? How are your prayers for potential leaders? These verses depict how God moved upon the heart of an unbelieving and evil king, Cyrus of Persia, to make a proclamation that would allow the Jewish people to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. God can use anyone He desires, regardless of their background or beliefs, to accomplish His will.

That’s why we are called to pray for leaders and all who are in authority. Your opinion should not change your prayers. You can have political, personal, and ethical views and not allow them to change your position in prayer. Keep your mouth shut about speaking against leaders and those in authority, and keep your mouth open when praying for their wisdom, security, and God-ordained connections to speak into their lives.

The story of Cyrus reminds us that God is always at work, often in ways we cannot see or understand. He can use anyone to fulfill His purposes and bring about His promises. As believers, we should remain prayerful, trust that He has a plan, and be ready to act, speak, or pray when He stirs our hearts to do so.

Practical Application

Pray for your national and local leaders today. Ask God to stir their hearts toward righteousness and justice. Believe that God can use them to bring His will to pass in their realm of influence.

Jeremiah 29:10; Daniel 10:1