Ever been afraid to do something you know you need to?
Here’s the deal:
In the Old Testament, Jesus Christ hadn’t yet come to earth and overcome sin with death and resurrection, enabling our bodies to be a Temple of the Lord’s Holy Spirit. God wanted a physical location for His presence, and He charged King Solomon to build a Temple.
Now the Bible doesn’t say, “King Solomon was afraid. Very afraid.” It does say that King David, his father and predecessor, did a fair bit of encouraging as he charged Solomon to build a massive, gold-plated house for the God of the universe. Solomon was a King with abundant wisdom and riches, yet he needed quite the pep talk to accomplish what he’d been called to do.
In 1 Chronicles 28, David says to Solomon,
“Know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.
Be careful now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.” (v. 9-10)
So. Thoughts: Once God has chosen you for a task and you are aware – BE STRONG AND DO IT. You are probably going to be nervous and overwhelmed — that means it’s worth doing. But be careful not to let that overcome you, because going against God’s plan for His Kingdom and glory is defying and disobeying. Don’t back down! All you need is faith and trust that He will provide in strength and resources. See how immediately He provided resources for Solomon’s assignment with a congregation of joyful hearts:
David says, “I have seen Your people, who are present here, offering freely and joyously to You.” [1 Chron 29:17]
More often than not, being on the World Race feels like jumping off a cliff. I’m not fully aware of what we’ll be doing or how we will do it. Here I am in Lesvos when all “plans” told me I’d be in Albania. On the ferry ride over, my stomach was in knots because I had no idea what to expect as we stepped into the heart of the crisis that has news stations cativated world-wide. Yet I know God will be here to guide and provide because He’s called us.
God planned and arranged for us to be here, in perfect timing. He provided the way when we responded in obedience to the need (see AIM/World Race CEO Seth Barnes’ blog on getting my squad to Lesvos here). Stay tuned for more details about how my squad is stepping in and serving on the island of Lesvos at the first transition point after the refugees come onto the shore!
If He declares it and assigns it, it WILL be done! Nothing will stand in His way at the end of the day except you and your faith. He will complete it and be with you through it ALL – He won’t leave you halfway!
“Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.” (v. 20)
It’s completed in 2 Chronicles 5:1: “Thus all the work that Solomon did for the house of the LORD was finished.” God is faithful to accomplish all He asks of us as we step in and join Him!
Ask Him what He’s calling YOU to do. Or get up and do whatever’s making your stomach twist or heart beat as you read this. Let the adventure begin.
