Ezra 1:5-8
“Then the heads of fathers’ households of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and the Levites rose up, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem. And all of those around them encouraged them with articles of silver, with gold, with equipment, cattle, and with valuables, aside from everything that was given as a [f]voluntary offering. Also King Cyrus brought out the articles of the house of the LORD, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and put in the house of his gods; and Cyrus, king of Persia, had them brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and he counted them out to Sheshbazzar, the leader of Judah.”
Our last entry in Ezra what about God stirring the heart of king Cyrus to send the people back to Jerusalem as well as building a house of worship. We wrote about this as a big way in which God guides, by planting thoughts in our minds. We also addressed this as a prophetic instance which separated our God as one who had prophetic abilities. This gives the bible a huge stamp of authenticity, as it was given to us by God. An all powerful God who exists outside of His creation.
What I would like to discuss today is the principle of how God gets His will done. He does two things, He stirs up people’s hearts to help and to give. This concept was a big one with pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel. He lived it.
The first segment of his ministry he describes as of his efforts. One of the first lessons was about running out of sermons after two years. This would be about the time the denomination would transfer him to another church. Then he landed at location in which he wanted to stay. What would he teach after he ran out of messages? This is where he began to teach through the bible in its entirety, verse by verse. Doing this gave him endless messages. God blessed this ministry of the Word.
Another lesson Chuck learned was that where God guided, He provided. Earlier, he would ask for funds. Very little resulted. But the miracle of Calvary Chapel happened. God opened doors and provided all the resources. He would tell others with ideas that God would provide if He was in it. People wouldn’t need to be guilt tripped into providing. We see that in today’s passage. God stirred up peoples hearts. These were big endeavors.
God wants to work in our lives. This is clearly on a much smaller scale. However, the principle applies. God will provide for us that which is His will. I have an example as of late. God provided opportunities as a church counselor at Saddleback Church for over a decade. About half way through I got a masters degree in psychology. I joined a friends counseling group. However, no clients came. This was for years. Until about a year ago, I got a client. Then several others got referred to me by people I didn’t know. I think God was showing me what I will do when I retire from my day job. I don’t want many clients now as I’m busy. That was a nice picture of the future. He provided all of that.
Thank You, Lord , for Your guidance and provision. He will do it in His time. Thank You, God.