“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: ‘Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, “The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may the Lord his God be with him.”’”
“‘Let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.’
“Then rose up the heads of the fathers’ houses.., and the priests and Levites, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem. And all who were about them aided them with vessels of silver, gold, goods, beasts, and costly wares, besides all that was freely offered. Cyrus the king also brought out the vessels of the house of the Lord that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed in the house of his gods.” 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-7
What God had spoken, He orchestrated. True to His word, He moved the heart of a heathen king to move His exiled people back to their land to rebuild His house. Male, female, singers, servants, priests, post keepers. The king was called to release the exiles, and each Israelite was called to contribute. His stirring was deliberate, timely, and effectual. (Ezra 2:64-70)
God stirs with a mighty hand. As His people, we need be sure we’re listening and ready to move at His prompting. He may use us to rule, to go, to give toward a cause. He might move us to start a new work, or build in a specific way. Always He will accomplish His purposes, and we are blessed to be part if we heed His stirring.
Where and how has God called me to serve? What dampens my willingness and generosity? When I’m moved by His Spirit, how readily and joyfully do I respond?
“Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee.
Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.” ~Frances Ridley Havergal (1874)
Father, stir me ever, only, all for Thee.
As the rain and snow 