Verse: Ezra 1:5 (NIV)
“Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites-everyone whose heart God had moved-prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem.”
There are moments in life when something inside us shifts-a deep sense that God is nudging us, stirring our hearts toward a specific action. It may come during prayer, through a sermon, or in the stillness of an ordinary moment. That’s what happened in Ezra 1:5. After years in exile, God stirred the hearts of leaders and families, prompting them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild His house. Not everyone responded-but those who did stepped into something greater than themselves.
Can you imagine how risky that decision must have felt? Leaving behind the familiarity of Babylon for a ruined city, uncertain provision, and hard work ahead? Yet, those whose hearts were moved didn’t let comfort or fear stop them. They recognized the stirrings as a divine call to action. And that’s often how God works. He stirs first-quietly but powerfully-and then waits to see if we’ll move in obedience.
Maybe God is stirring your heart today. Perhaps it’s to reconnect with someone, start a ministry, return to consistent prayer, or take a step of faith you’ve been delaying. When God stirs us, it’s never random. He invites us to partner with Him in rebuilding something sacred-whether it’s a relationship, a broken heart, or a community in need. But it starts with our willingness to respond.
So, what has God been whispering to your heart lately? Have you paused long enough to notice? Like the leaders in Ezra’s day, may we be sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting and bold enough to act. Because when God stirs, He’s already gone ahead to prepare the way.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for stirring my heart toward your purpose. Help me not to ignore your promptings or delay obedience. Give me the courage to act, even when the path seems uncertain. Use me to rebuild what is broken and to bring glory to your name. I am willing-please lead me.
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