“Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the Lord which is in Jerusalem.” — Ezra 1:5

The temple had been gone for decades, nothing but ruins and memories. The people of God had been exiled, their hearts weighed down by sorrow and longing. But then—something miraculous happened.

A king, a pagan king at that, issued a decree. Not just any decree, but one inspired by God Himself. Cyrus of Persia, the most powerful ruler of his time, announced that the temple in Jerusalem must be rebuilt. And just like that, the wheels of restoration were set in motion.

When God Calls, He Confirms

The call was clear: Go, rebuild the temple. But calling alone isn’t enough. God didn’t just issue marching orders—He also stirred hearts. Ezra 1:5 tells us that “God raised” the spirits of the people to go and build.

Some became builders, hands covered in dust, stacking stones one by one. Others became givers, freely offering gold, silver, and supplies to fund the work (Ezra 1:6). And in an unexpected twist, even the Persian court—the very empire that had held them captive—became a source of provision. The very people who once oppressed them now handed over wealth to fuel their restoration.

God’s Work Requires Both Builders and Givers

Not everyone picked up a hammer, and not everyone wrote a check. Some carried the weight of bricks, while others carried the weight of generosity. But each role was vital.

Maybe you’re a builder—someone who serves, leads, or gets their hands dirty for the Kingdom. Or maybe you’re a giver—one whose generosity fuels missions, ministries, and restoration projects. Either way, God’s work moves forward when His people step into their roles.

Secular Support? Yes, God Can Use That Too

It’s easy to assume that only believers support God’s work. But Ezra 1 shatters that notion. The wealth of Persia—silver, gold, goods, and livestock—was poured into the rebuilding. Why? Because when God sets a plan in motion, He moves both the hearts of His people and the resources of the world.

Never underestimate how God can use unexpected sources to accomplish His will. That job promotion? That connection you didn’t see coming? That favor from someone who doesn’t even share your faith? God owns it all, and He knows how to place provision in your path.

What’s Your Role in the Rebuild?

Is God stirring something in you today? Maybe He’s calling you to build—to serve, to lead, to step into a work of restoration. Or perhaps He’s nudging you to give—to support, to resource, to fund something bigger than yourself.

Whatever it is, know this: When God calls, He confirms. And when He confirms, He provides.

The question is—will you step into your role?

Let’s build. Let’s give. Let’s be part of God’s restoration story.