What does preparing look like for you?
I went hiking last week at a state park with a lot of steps and hills that were considered rugged. How do you prepare for something you’ve never done before? I had never been to this particular park. Fortunately I was hiking with someone who had been there and helped me know how to prepare.
King David so desperately wanted to build the Temple for God. He asked and planned and God said no. So David did what he could…he prepared. He laid down plans for his son to be able to build a temple that would house the presence of God.
“David said, “My son Solomon is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the Lord should be of great magnificence and fame and splendor in the sight of all the nations. Therefore I will make preparations for it.” So David made extensive preparations before his death.”
1 Chronicles 22:5 NIV
David had done so much for God. He had obeyed and gone to war. Yes, he messed up several times. Both times, when confronted with the truth of his actions he was remorseful and begged God for mercy for the people of Israel. He didn’t want them to suffer for his sin.
With everything King David had given to God, it would have been within the realm of possibility that he would be disappointed and bitter at not given the chance to build a temple for his God. And yet, he didn’t get bogged down in what he couldn’t do but started making preparations for what his son could do.
King David looked at the heart of the temple…God…and kept his focus there instead of on himself. He did what he could…not what he couldn’t. Preparation is a good work.
What preparation is God calling us to do?
Dear God, as we live our lives we seek for more. More opportunities and chances to serve you, to live the abundant life you came to give us. God, show us how to prepare. Show us what to prepare. God, show us who we need to prepare for. Amen.
Mandy
Sixty-six books in a year 