Would you call this person an American hero? When the Revolutionary War began, he was not drafted, so he volunteered to fight and refused pay. He was wounded in battle at Brandywine but quickly recovered and joined General George Washington at Valley Forge where he suffered with other troops tormented by starvation, disease, exposure and malnutrition. Then he continued on to win many more battles. This man was praised by Founding Father Samuel Adams, who said that “in foregoing the pleasures of enjoyment of domestic life and exposing himself to the hardship and dangers of war, he fought in the glorious cause of freedom.”

The Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia.

Ezra 1:1

But you would not call this person an American hero…because he was not an American. Marquis de Lafayette was a Frenchman who loved America.

Cyrus King of Persia was not a Jew, but God “stirred up” his spirit to help the Jews. An unlikely advocate for a forgotten and defeated people, Cyrus brought the Jews out of exile so that they could return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. Be thankful that God raises leaders up to help others – be they individuals or nations – in need. Perhaps He is “stirring” you to go beyond the call of duty today!

Recommended Reading: Acts 20:17-24