Our Master-Builder
by John Michalak
1 Chronicles 28:20
David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed; for the LORD God, even my God, is with you. He will not fail you, nor forsake you, until all the work for the service of the LORD’s house is finished.”
Some people are skilled at construction, but for many (including me), being asked to help build anything strikes us with fear and anxiety.
In today’s verse, David asks Solomon to build God’s temple. Perhaps Solomon felt some fear and anxiety. But, in tasking Solomon, David also equipped him. How? By assuring Him that God would be with him to see the work completed.
Such encouragement was nothing new.
Moses told Joshua to be strong and courageous in “building” the nation of Israel in the Promised Land, saying God would be with him. Jesus sent His disciples to build God’s Kingdom in His authority, promising He would be with them always.
What has God commissioned you to build? A new character? A work of compassion for someone who’s suffering? A local church or ministry, perhaps?
Even those skilled in spiritual construction might feel some fear when faced with an audacious building project. But nothing has changed. This God of creation, our Master-builder, will be with you when you hammer in that first nail until your spiritual building is complete.
Reflection
What are some things God has sent me to build in His Kingdom? How often do I pray for strength, courage, and for His presence to see them completed?
Prayer
Holy Lord, Please give me strength and courage to help build Your Kingdom here on earth. Help me to diligently follow Your instructions. May I never forget that I, like all Your children, am a work in progress. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
