There is a move of God that we see in the first chapter of Ezra that brings about His plans and purposes. There came a day when it was time for God’s people to return to Jerusalem. We see that God stirred the heart of Cyrus to command that the temple be rebuilt in Jerusalem and He stirred the hearts of God’s people to return to Jerusalem. That word for “stir” is “uwr” and means to awaken, excite and open the eyes. The Theological Wordbook Of The Old Testament says this: Here one sees the active involvement of God in history. He is not aloof or passive. He is not simply a spectator. He is in complete charge, manipulating his plan. All his actions are purposeful. Events do not happen by chance.

And so, what does this mean for us? As you are walking with the Lord, you may find yourself faced with such adversity that it seems impossible to make it through. I’m sure that the people of Israel felt a certain defeat sitting in exile in Babylon. But there did come a day when God stirred hearts and orchestrated events to turn the tide and get His people back to Jerusalem. And in the same way, God can turn the tide of your situation either by changing an event or stirring in your heart or the heart of someone else.

I love the promise of Ephesians 2:10 - “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” This promise assures me that God has good works in mind for me as “His workmanship.” I was created for these things. And though I may be “down” at times, I am by no means “out” because God is at work. And in His time, with His “stirring”, He brings about His plans and purposes in my life. So dear friend, you can know that it is always too soon to give up. Fix your hope on your Lord and His promises in His Word. God bless you dear friend as you continue on in this great adventure of knowing Him.