I say to deep waters, ‘Dry up!’ and to rivers, ‘Become dry!’ 28 I say concerning Cyrus, ‘He is my shepherd, and he will carry out all the purposes I have for him,’ saying to Jerusalem, ‘You will be rebuilt and flourish again!’ saying to the temple, ‘You will be reconstructed!’ Isaiah 44:27-28

A little knowledge of ancient history is required to really appreciate how amazing this passage is.Cyrus, king of Persia, reigned from 559–529 BC. He conquered Babylon where the Israelites were held captive. He permitted the Jews to return to Jerusalem and restore the temple (2 Chron. 36:22–23; Ezra 1:1–4).

What makes this such an incredible prophetic declaration is that Isaiah prophesies these events and calls Cyrus by name 150 years before these events take place. Josephus, the Jewish historian, wrote that “when Cyrus read this (Isaiah’s prophecy), and admired the Divine Power, an earnest desire and ambition seized upon him to fulfill what was so written.

”That part about rivers drying up? That is exactly the strategy Cyrus used to take Babylon. He diverted the rivers and starved out the city by cutting off their water supply (See Jer. 50:38; 51:31–36).

What incredible proof that God sees everything and sovereignly oversees our lives. He is always working for our good and leading down the best road of life. Living under this belief cancels fear or doubt that God is unaware or unable or unwilling to help us. If God can orchestrate events to affect an entire nation 150 years in advance, you can be assured He has your life under control to the extent you surrender to Him.