Equipped for the Work
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
Big shoes to fill. You’ve probably said that or at least thought it when a gifted leader stepped down from a position. Some companies and ministries fizzle when such a leader is replaced. Other organizations scale higher mountains under new leadership.
What makes the difference?
God’s hand of blessing and his storehouse of provision.
When King David realized his death was near, he named Solomon as his successor as God had directed (1 Chronicles 28:5). David also transferred the architectural plans for the temple to Solomon and commissioned him to build it (v. 6).
Through both success and failure, David had learned that the nation’s well being depended on its leaders following “all the commands of the Lord” (v. 8). He therefore counseled Solomon to serve God “with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind” (v. 9).
Success is also contingent on accepting the help of those God places alongside us. David told Solomon, “The divisions of the priest and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing man skilled in any craft will help you in all the work” (1 Chronicles 28:21). Solomon and his team finished building the temple in seven years, and God expressed his approval by moving into it (1 Kings 6:38; 2 Chronicles 5:13–14).
The building of the temple reinforces two truths: (1) God never assigns us a task we cannot complete; and (2) he never expects us to complete a task alone. He brings others who share the vision to support us.
Six months ago, God gave me an assignment I thought might be too big for me. But it was not too big for him. He brought many helpers alongside me—people who were gifted in skills I lacked and were willing to work as a team to accomplish the task God gave us.
Has God given you big shoes to fill? Maybe a spiritual or professional mentor has stepped away from his or her position. Is God asking you to step up? Like me, you may feel unqualified, but God is able to equip you and others to finish the work.
Will you step forward and tackle the job?
DIG DEEPER
Read 1 Kings 3:1–15. When Solomon felt unequipped for his task, what did he do? How did God respond? What do you do when you feel unqualified? How does God help you?
Read 1 Kings 8:22–61. After the temple was completed, Solomon gave a prayer of dedication and a blessing. What did he ask God to do? What did he advise the people to do? How does his counsel also apply to us?
Jesus gave the disciples (and us) a huge task in Matthew 28:18–20. How did he equip them (and us) to accomplish it? Read John 16:7–15 and 2 Peter 1:2–8.
Denise K. Loock
This devotion is part of our Do Not Be Afraid series.