Published Date: May 7, 2018
SCRIPTURE:
Thus saith the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me.
(Isaiah 45:11)
DEVOTIONAL:
Isaiah, chapter 45, describes the assignment of God in the life of Cyrus, the pagan king of Persia, who God named and foreordained about 150 years before his birth. Cyrus the Great was the king under whom the Babylonian captivity ended. In the first year of his reign, Cyrus was prompted and anointed by God to make a decree that the Temple in Jerusalem should be rebuilt and allowed the Jews to return to their land to rebuild it. Cyrus also gave back to the Jews the sacred vessels, which had been taken from the first Temple along with a considerable sum of money to buy building materials.
Notice that God used a pagan king to bless His people and provide for their material need (in this case, rebuilding the Temple). From this, we learn that God can use any person or means to answer your prayer. Do not limit God or expect Him to do things your way or even the way He’s done them in the past. God has resources and ways beyond our ability to comprehend. Even in the worst situations or with the most difficult or ungodly people, God can give you favor and make a way where there seems to be no way. Praise God for what He’s about to do in your life!
PRAYER:
Dear God, Just like you did for the Jews, I pray You will also do for me. Grant unto me favor and Your successful outcome in (name your need). I pray that You will (heal me, give me a job, take care of a family or other issue—name whatever you want to ask God). I praise You Father for answering my prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.