I woke up earlier than usual on a recent morning. Pouring some coffee into my mug, I sat down to see what was going on in the world since I had headed to sleep.
Not much had changed, in fact, much was still the same.
Various news stories left yet unanswered questions, uncertainties for the days ahead, and numerous debates.
Opening my reading schedule, I turned to the Scripture reading:
“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia””in order to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah – the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout his kingdom, and also put it in writing.”
(2 Chronicles 36:22, NASB)
There it was, plain and simple … “the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia.”
God can stir the hearts of leaders – government, schools, towns, cities, churches, and families.
“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Proverbs 21:1, NASB)
He can turn the heart of a leader wherever and however He wishes.
May we be faithful to pray for hearts of leaders to be turned and stirred by the Lord.
Therein lies our hope!
In her post, The “How” of It, Pam Ecrement reminds us that Christ is calling us through His Word, to live how He has shown us to live. May we read His Word and then, live it out. You can read her post HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Ashton Mullins on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
A timely reminder, Joanne. I wish Christians would remember this instead of fretting and debating on social media. Our greatest influence on our leaders is to pray for them.
Barbara, we get so distracted by the loudness on the internet and on the news. I’m finding only as I quiet myself do I remember that prayer is our most powerful resource.
Joanne, I love your insights here. Thank you for shedding light today. Blessings.
~Selah ~
Wonderful reminder, Joanne-how easy it is to fret and worry when we watch/read the news! Such a comfort to remember who holds the king’s heart and turns it whichever way He chooses.
I so need to constantly remind myself!
A powerful post, Joanne. What a great example with King Cyrus! Instead of complaining about our leaders and who’s in those positions, may we remember the Lord God Almighty is CEO and in control!
Good reminder: it is our duty as believers to pray for those in leadership. How many leaders are operating without a prayer covering?
Amen! God is in control no matter the headlines, human debates, worries or concerns. His Will will be done!
Great post Joanne!
Bless you,
Jennifer
Oh, I have become lax about praying for our leaders. Thank you so much for this reminder.
Such a comforting reminder, Joanne. We have no way of knowing what God’s purposes are for what is going on in the world right now, but we can trust that He will use whatever or whomever He chooses to fulfill them. Including leaders of every stripe! I love the Newsboys song too!
So much controversy and division all around us. He is the only One to move hearts in the direction they need to be. And He has given us examples to see He truly does respond and stir leaders.
I’ve had my head out of the news this past week and just jumped back in to get up-to-date – and, oh my! How I needed to read this right now for courage, calm and to keep my eyes on our Father!
My heart can get so overwhelmed as I see and read the news. I’m so grateful He has left us His Word and examples to demonstrate His very ability to stir the hearts of leaders.