SEPTEMBER 13 – Reading 256

by John Christian Pra | September 13

“THE STIRRER OF HEARTS”
(Daniel 10:1 – 12:13; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1 – 2:70; 1 Chronicles 3:17-24; 9:1-34)

 “In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation… The LORD, the God of heaven… has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem…” – Ezra 1:1-2

I remember when the Lord stirred my spirit with a desire to follow the call into pastoral ministry while I was in college. Jesus had gripped my heart in a way that I had never experienced before and my whole desire was to do what I could to help others experience this new reality. The Holy Spirit filled me with such desire that it stirred me to make decisions that would forever change my life. 

This is what the Lord does. When God begins to stir our hearts, it puts within us a desire that goes deeper than rational thinking. You cannot intellectualize the stirring of the Holy Spirit. It’s more than what makes sense, it’s what God wants for you.

God began to stir Cyrus’ heart to send Israel back home to rebuild the Temple and reestablish their nation. Why? This king had power, reign, and authority over a nation. Why release them to go their own way? Because God put it within his heart. God stirred Cyrus’ spirit to the point where it may not have made sense in the advisory sessions with his national counselors, but it simply couldn’t be ignored. 

When God stirs our spirits, it’s meant to lead us towards our good and the good of others. The good news is when we surrender to Him, he stirs our hearts in ways that change our lives forever and lead us on the pathway to abundant life. 

God is stirring hearts on your behalf right now and God is stirring your heart for the sake of others. Will you respond in obedience?

Reflections:

• How have you experienced God’s stirring in times past?

   

• How have you responded to these moments? Is there anything God is currently stirring up within you now that you have yet to respond to?

Application: 

• Write down ways that God is stirring your heart to grow in relationship and intimacy with Him.

   

• Write down ways that God is stirring you to make a difference in the world you live in as you walk with Him.

Closing Prayer:
Father God, you are the stirrer of hearts and today I open my heart to you. Begin to stir within me what you desire for me to do on your behalf. Begin to grip my heart with love and devotion for you. Forgive me, Jesus, for silencing the stirring in my heart that you have begun. I repent of quieting the Holy Spirit because I’m fearful of the stirring taking place. Give me courage to not rationalize my way out of obedience. In Your Name I pray, Amen.