Wait....what?

I was simply reminded this morning while reading Ezra 1...GOD IS IN CONTROL!

So, the Israelites are in captivity to their worst enemy and God must have forgotten them altogether, right?  NEVER.  God promised them that because of their disobedience this was going to happen and yet, God promised them that after 70 years they would be delivered.  So, year 70 comes around and on the throne is King Cyrus, uggh!  We are going to be in exile even longer now, because King Cyrus is a pagan king...no way is he going to let us go free.  But listen, Cyrus sits on a throne that is made of earthly material, who is merely a man, here today and gone tomorrow.  Let's just get real honest friends...God is on the Throne AND IT is not man made and IT IS eternal!  NOT CYRUS.  In fact, Ezra 1 is so good because it reminds us that God is in control.  God "stirred the heart of Cyrus"!  Isn't that great.  Cyrus let the prisoners go free.  Cyrus covered the cost of rebuilding Jerusalem.  Cyrus was used mightily by God to bring freedom for His people...JUST AS GOD PROMISED. 

I simply wrote these thoughts down this morning:  1.  Wake up JT to the reality of who God is.  He is trustworthy!  He is good!  He is powerful!  He is love!  He is for me!  2.  Cyrus, who only "heard" about God responds to God better than I do, and I have a relationship with the Lord.  What is that?  Stop living in fear!  Stop being easily intimidated by men who are here today and gone tomorrow.  I was reminded in James where it says, "even the demons believe and shutter in fear."  They know who God is!  It is time for me to get more serious in my love and desire for Him.  Join me.  We have the awesome privilege to walk with the One who sits on the Eternal Throne who is powerful than all kingdoms combined and then some.