Moving His Plan Forward
Special Gratitude Edition
(Friends, as we wrap up the 2025 gratitude series, I’m indebted to those who contributed to November Roses this month. Each story turned my heart to Jesus in wonder, joy, and praise. I pray it did the same for you. Thank you, too, for allowing November Roses to be a part of your Thanksgiving season. I’m beyond humbled. Now one last post in this series…)
In the Bible, the book of Ezra begins with God moving the heart of a pagan king to allow and facilitate His people to return to Jerusalem. The Israelites have been in exile in Babylon for 70 years as discipline for their rebellion against God. Now the appointed end of their exile is at hand, and God steps in to reveal next steps. King Cyrus issues a proclamation giving them the freedom and the resources to return to Jerusalem and rebuild God’s Temple.
The way is clear, but who will go? Who is willing to make the arduous 900-mile journey through the wilderness to their homeland? Ezra 1:5 answers the question, and it’s no surprise that God gets involved: “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.”
First, God makes a way for His people, moving the hearts of pagan kings, moving mountains, moving circumstances. Then He moves our hearts to move His plan forward.
This past month, friends whose hearts God has moved have stepped forward to share their stories – stories of health crises, faith crises, family crises. Some have had happy endings. Some have not. Some of those stories are still unfolding.
And yet in each story, God has moved their hearts to testify to His goodness, His faithfulness, and His love. Each story has moved His plan forward – to encourage the weary, stir up joy in the hurting, and strike hope in the lost who are looking for Him.
Today, whether your Thanksgiving table hosts one or 20, invite the Lord to move your heart to praise and gratitude – whatever your story. And may He move your heart to turn your thanksgiving into thanks-living today and every day, but especially as we approach the Advent season.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends. May God bless you and your loved ones.
