David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.”
1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV)
Who we are and what we do go hand in hand. The one affects the other. What we do is a definite sign of who we are. Who we are, on the other hand, determines how we do what we do. Our character comes out in our attitude, which in turn affects how we do what we do.
We may note that the King instructed the Prince in both these elements. First, Prince Solomon had to have character that was strong and courageous. A character that refused to be afraid. A character that would not succumb to discouragement. A character that depended upon God. Second, he must act. Act despite fear. Act despite discouragement. Act in faith, knowing that God has chosen him for this purpose. Act in faith, knowing that God will sustain him. Act in faith, knowing that God will be with him until he has achieved God’s purpose.
It was King David’s personal experience with his God that empowered him to instruct his son in this manner. David was confident of God’s unchanging love and faithfulness to His servants. Prince Solomon, though might have said: “But Father, I am so young and the responsibility of being King is so great. Even this building project is huge and beyond my capacity. Who can I get to help me? How will I know they are loyal?” We do not know what sort of concerns he may have had. We just know that Solomon did become King of Israel and built the Temple of the Lord. He achieved the purpose the Lord assigned him.
In 2009, God has a great purpose for us. Perhaps we see all the obstacles. Perhaps a thousand concerns go through our minds most days. They can easily make us hesitate, but in hesitation we are backing up. That is the time to remember that God has chosen us for the task. God is with us. God will never fail us. God will empower us to achieve His purpose.
Dear Father, thank you for a purpose and mission. Move in our hearts today with your enabling strength and power. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the task before you,