Ezra 1:1-4 tells us, “Now 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, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? His God be with him and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (he is the God) in Jerusalem. And whosoever remained in any place where he sojourned, let the men of his place help him with silver, gold, goods, and beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God in Jerusalem.” Cyrus was not a Christian but was chosen by God to help the Israelites. If we look at pagan Kings in the Bible and history, God used them to better the Jews and to punish them. The Chaldeans, Assyrians, and the Babylonian empires conquered Israel and enslaved them as a result of not following God’s wishes and commands. These conquering Kings forced the conquered people to assimilate into the culture during their rule. But like Alexander the Great, Cyrus allowed the conquered citizens to maintain their religion, culture, and lifestyles. People ask why Cyrus freed the Jews and helped them return home and build Jerusalem. Going back some 150 years, we find that this was told in Isaiah 44:28 that some guy named Cyrus would help the Israelites rebuild, stating, “That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.”
How does God choose non-Christians to do his work? God is always showing non-believers the right path. He gives us opportunity after opportunity to do the right thing. He gives us things we do not deserve; He allows us to see the grace He offers us, and He attempts to move us toward the gospel and salvation. God knows we do not deserve any of His gifts, but we still receive His blessing regularly. Some could call this Free Grace as opposed to our Free Will. We can pay attention and accept God’s grace or not. These decisions are always ours to make.
John 15:16 reminds us, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.” Again, we have to listen and be willing to accept what God wants us to do. How many times have we been called and were too busy to respond? Paul promises that God will not assign any task we cannot handle. In First Corinthians 10:13, he states, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide a way of escape that you may be able to endure.” Even when we know God is there to help us, we still have doubts and fears. Our doubts and lack of courage probably have kept us from many victories we could have enjoyed. Paul reminds us that he faced many problems but still survived. Second Corinthians 12 tells us, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
God can call us at any time and anywhere. God can call you by name like He did Moses in Exodus 3:1-10 or Paul in Acts 9:4-6. God can direct you to a specific task or take on a special responsibility. God can cause you to feel or need to do something special like He did Nehemiah and Isaiah. God knew you before you were born, and He may have set a path for your life like he did Josiah in Second Kings 22 or John the Baptist in Mark 1:2-7. God may be more subtle and allow you attractive choices and opportunities for which He has prepared you. In Acts 6:2-4 Stephen realized that coincidence did not bring him to where he was. In First Kings, 19:20-21, Elisha finds himself in an opportunity that he had not expected.
Regardless of how you find yourself being chosen for an opportunity, task, or blessing, we should remember Philippians 4:13, which states, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” We should face all fears and accomplish our goals with that in mind.