God Can Work Through Anyone
God Works Through More People Than We Realize
Heavenly Father can use anyone to accomplish His purposes—including you.
Have you ever assumed someone couldn't make a difference because they weren't part of your group?
Maybe they didn't share your beliefs. Maybe they weren't one of your close friends. Maybe they didn't seem like the kind of person God would use.
It's easy to place people into categories. We naturally think in terms of "people like us" and "people who aren't." But Ezra chapter 1 reminds us that God doesn't see people the way we often do.
God Sees More Than We See
After seventy years of captivity, the Israelites longed to return home. Jerusalem had been destroyed, the temple was gone, and rebuilding seemed impossible.
Then something remarkable happened.
The scriptures tell us that "the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia" (Ezra 1:1).
Cyrus wasn't an Israelite prophet. He wasn't part of the covenant people. Yet God inspired him to help rebuild the temple and invite the Israelites to return home.
That teaches an important truth:
God is not limited by the labels we place on people.
He sees every person as His child and can inspire anyone whose heart is willing to accomplish good.
Maybe you've already experienced this yourself.
Perhaps a teacher encouraged you when you needed confidence. Maybe a coach believed in you when you doubted yourself. Perhaps a neighbor, coworker, or friend helped you through a difficult season—even if they weren't a member of your faith.
God often works through unexpected people because He loves all of His children.
As Elder James E. Faust taught:
"You can be powerful instruments in the hands of God to help bring about this great work. … You can do something for another person that no one else ever born can do.”
That means two things.
First, don't overlook the people God places in your life simply because they seem different from you.
Second, don't underestimate what God can do through you.
You don't have to be the smartest, the most popular, or the most experienced person to bless someone's life. You simply need to be willing to listen when the Lord "stirs" your heart to encourage someone, include someone, or serve someone.
God is still gathering people to accomplish His work.
The question isn't whether He can use someone.
It's whether we'll be willing when He invites us.
Scripture
"The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia..."
—Ezra 1:1
Reflection
Who has God placed in your life that has blessed you in unexpected ways? And who might He be inviting you to bless today?
Today's Challenge
Pray this morning and ask Heavenly Father to help you notice one person who needs encouragement today.
When a name or impression comes to your mind, don't ignore it.
Send the text.
Start the conversation.
Offer the invitation.
Be willing to become an instrument in God's hands.
Christ-Centered Thought
Jesus Christ spent His earthly ministry reaching people others often overlooked. He saw worth where others saw weakness, possibility where others saw failure, and sons and daughters of God where others saw labels.
As we strive to see people the way He sees them, He can use us to lift, strengthen, and bless lives in ways we may never fully understand.
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