Isaiah 45 begins with this statement. This is what the Lord says to Cyrus, his anointed one. A person might be tempted to question God because He anointed this ungodly king.
How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father, ‘Why was I born?’ or if it said to its mother, ‘Why did you make me this way?’” . . . “Do you question what I do for my children? Isaiah 45:10, 11
Sometimes we know God’s reasons for His actions. Other times He chooses not to reveal them to us. As far as God anointing Cyrus is concerned, here’s what Isaiah told us.
- God empowered Cyrus and granted him authority over other kings. v.1
- Cyrus would find treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches.v.3
- God revealed Himself to Cyrus so he would know who the Lord was. v. 3
- God anointed and revealed to Cyrus His purpose. v.4
And why have I called you for this work? Why did I call you by name when you did not know me? It is for the sake of Jacob my servant, Israel my chosen one. Isaiah 45:4
God Trusted Cyrus
God trusted Cyrus to complete the work He needed done. Then the Lord declared His authority and He equipped this anointed king for the task at hand.
I am the Lord; there is no other God. I have equipped you for battle, though you don’t even know me, so all the world from east to west will know there is no other God. Isaiah 45:5-6
As God declared Himself again, He sent a reminder of some of His creation and abilities.
I am the Lord, and there is no other. I create the light and make the darkness. And I send good times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who does these things. Isaiah 45:6-7
So because of God’s anointing, Cyrus this ungodly king enjoyed fame, wealth, and victory. Actions that brought the created to argue and question God, the creator.
What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ Isaiah 45:9
When the religious leaders questioned Jesus, He usually answered with questions. If we decide to question God, we should expect the same response.
This is what the Lord says— the Holy One of Israel and your Creator: “Do you question what I do for my children? Do you give me orders about the work of my hands? Isaiah 45:11
When You Decide to Question God
So, when you get a hankering to question God, don’t! His superiority far exceeds our understanding as seen in the next verse.
I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. With my hands I stretched out the heavens. All the stars are at my command. Isaiah 45:12
God without question will use anyone He chooses because His knowledge goes deep within our hearts. And, it really doesn’t matter to God how we feel about His choices.
You see when the Lord chose Cyrus, it had nothing to do with the king. But it had everything to do with God’s people.
I will raise up Cyrus to fulfill my righteous purpose, and I will guide his actions. He will restore my city and free my captive people—without seeking a reward! I, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, have spoken!” Isaiah 45:13
Take the time to read all of Isaiah 45.
A Prayer from King David
Are you ready for God to choose you to fulfill one of His purposes? Are concerned about what God will see deep in your heart? If so, then pray this prayer that David prayed.
Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
Psalm 51:10-12
Check out these related posts called Do You Question the Commands of God? And The Wisdom Of God Is Foolishness To Man.
To receive each new devotional post delivered to your inbox, subscribe below by giving us your first name and email address.