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… is finished. 1 Chronicles 28:20 (NIV)
David had big plans. The Lord had stirred his heart and emotions to build a magnificent temple to honor God. He was so excited about the concept that he hired stonecutters and amassed materials for the job site. David donned his construction hat and tool belt and headed to work.
God had other plans. David was assigned the role of visionary, and Solomon the task of builder. David’s anointing and authority didn’t change, but his job title did.
Was David disappointed? He pivoted to follow the new blueprint and bring his son on board. He organized the leaders and cast the vision. David explained the succession route and conferred the plan, entrusting the vision into another’s hands.
Exercise:
1 Kings 5 says cedar and pine logs were commissioned and floated by rafts on sea from Lebanon. Chapter 6 outlines the details at the stone quarry and respect shown for the Lord by silencing tools while building on site. The temple was paneled, carved, and lavishly decorated. It took seven years to finish.
- What idea has God entrusted to you? 1 Chronicles 28:2
- Write down the details. 1 Chronicles 28:19
- What pieces of the map do you need to organize? 1 Chronicles 28:1
- Affirm your calling. 1 Chronicles 28:9
- How will you rise to the challenge? 1 Chronicles 28:20
- Whom will you enlist to help with the work—prayer warriors, beta team, cheerleaders? 1 Chronicles 28:21
Does your WIP feel overwhelming? The intricate designs of the temple must have been mind-boggling. Stone by stone, the shape formed into a building and the building became a wonderful sight to behold. You will see progress as your outline morphs into chapters and chapters into a book. You are a writer with a plan that will require all your resources. Be strong and courageous. Set your project into action and let the momentum of steps accomplished carry you forward. Do not let fear, dismay, or overwhelm sidetrack you, for the Lord your God is with you. He will not fail or forsake you but will equip you to finish the work He has established!
What is your next block to set into place?
Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.
Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.
Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.
Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net
