PREPARING

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“Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.”—1 Chronicles 22:5 ESV

David, apparently without prompting, told Nathan the prophet that he wanted to build a house for God, but God said that David was not to build His house. Instead, this honor was to go to his son Solomon (1 Chronicles 17:1–15). David could have reacted in many ways. He could have become bitter or frustrated. However, he realized there still were ways in which he could contribute to building the temple. He realized he still could guide the construction of the temple. So what could he do? He could prepare. He would do everything he could to make sure Solomon was ready for the assignment. The Bible details the many ways David prepared the way. He prepared Solomon and gave him detailed directions. He prepared the resources and plans, the personnel, and the organizational strategy. When we look at the completed temple, we can focus our attention on Solomon. He could not have completed this work if it had not been for the preparation and contributions of his father. We need to realize the importance of preparation in the work of God. The one who does the preparation is vital to the completion of the work. Think about how many people participate in this kind of preparation. Today, remember that God has given you an important part to play in His Kingdom. Do your work with excellence as unto the Lord.

Reflection Question: What challenges lie ahead for you this week?

BETTER UNDERSTANDING

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“’What I am doing, you do not realize right now, but you will understand later.’ Peter said to Him, ‘Never shall You wash my feet!’ Jesus answered him, ‘If I do not wash you, you have no place with Me.’”—John 13:7–8 NASB

The son of slaves, Charles Albert Tindley taught himself to read and write and earned a divinity degree through a correspondence course. He worked as a janitor at Calvary Methodist Church in Philadelphia while attending night school, and in 1902, he became the pastor of that same church. At the time of his death, that church had 12,500 members. Tindley knew that we all go through uncertainties and problems, but God has everything under control. In 1905, he wrote a hymn about what God had taught him, “We’ll Understand It Better By and By.” We may be tossed and driven “on the restless sea of time,” but someday, “when the mists have rolled away, we will understand it better by and by.” He knew that someday “when the saints of God are gathered home, we’ll tell the story of how we’ve overcome.” Meanwhile, on our earthly journeys, we need to learn to trust God and His Word. We may encounter trials, but we need to have faith that God will guide us. We may be tested and face temptations and hidden snares, but eventually God will reveal the purpose of every situation we face. You may have questions and face uncertainties that may not make sense. But be confident that God knows what you are going through. Commit your life to Him. Trust Him and continue to obey and serve Him. You will understand everything by and by.

Reflection Question: Reflect on puzzling circumstances.