5 steps to getting things done for God

Read Ezra 1.

For 70 years the Jews had lived in captivity in Babylon.  This was God's response to their ignoring His command to allow the land to rest every 7th year.  Finally, the total number of years they owed to God and the land came to 70 years.  At the end of those days, the Medes and Persians conquered the Babylonians.  Cyrus, king of Persia, now ruled from India to Egypt.  Though he did not live to see it, the Prophet Jeremiah several times foretold that this captivity would last for exactly 70 years.  Before the captivity ever took place Jeremiah wrote: "The LORD has stirred up the spirit of the kings of the Medes, because his purpose concerning Babylon is to destroy it" (Jeremiah 51:11)

God wanted His people back on the land He promised them.  So, He did an amazing work in the heart of this pagan king.  This is one of the most astounding turning points in Jewish history.  There are lessons here for all of us.

1. He acknowledged that what he had came from God.

"The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all..."  This is the confession of stewardship: that his possessions were a gift from God and that he had accountability to the Owner for what he did with what he had been given.

2. He announced what God had called him to do.

"…and he has charged me to build..."  It was not merely a good idea that Cyrus had.  In fact, it was what God wanted done!  This is the statement of one who knows why they are here at this specific time and place on earth.  Using our resources for God-ordained results is the implementation process of a steward.

3. He communicated to others and encouraged their participation.

"Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go..."  When one has a confident passion for a specific calling, they want others to be engaged also.  This is a clear call to action. 

4. He provided his own resources and encouraged others to give willingly.

He led by example.  He did not ask others to do something he was not doing.  He could have paid for the whole project, but that would have robbed the people from having their own investment in what God was doing.  This was not their tithe money they contributed.  This was generosity giving, a freewill offering, as with every project in the Bible.

5. The people responded to God's prompting.

This was not a response to the king or to the project need.  God "stirred" their hearts to action.  Every great work of God was accomplished by those whose hearts were open, praying for God's leadership in their decision.

What is God stirring in your heart today?