Have you ever felt like you wanted to do something really big for God? Maybe it’s heading up a Christian organization or leading mass amounts of people to Christ. Maybe you’ve wanted to go somewhere far off and convert foreign religions to Christianity. Maybe it’s just holding a position in the church, because you truly want to serve God and be known for your service. Surely the desire means it’s a part of God’s plan for us, right?
Sometimes I feel like a race horse behind a stall, just chomping at the bit to go. “Open the gate, God. I’m ready. Do something big through me.” I’ve prayed Isaiah 6:8 with all sincerity, telling God I would serve Him any way He chose.
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here I am! Send me.'”
However, my life continues as before with no major changes. In fact, there are some ministry positions and activities from which He’s called me away. My one consistent title has been “Mom.” But that’s quite a common job- nothing super impressive in that.
While reading 1 Chronicles 17 the other day, I suddenly realized my desire resembled David’s in his passion for building a temple for the Lord. David honestly wanted to honor God and may even have felt a longing to repay God in some way for all the blessings he’d received. Nathan the prophet even thought it was a grand idea- that is, until the Lord spoke to Nathan and told him to instruct David NOT to build the temple. God intended for David’s son Solomon to take on this noble task. David’s job was to provide the stone, iron, bronze, cedar, gold, and silver to make that possible.
There it is! That’s my job! Every day of my life is to be spent pouring into my children. With each scripture I explain to them, I hand them a little bit of gold. Each prayer over them is a cedar log. Each sermon they hear when I carry them to church is a piece of silver. When they come to me with a problem, and I try to lead them according to God’s direction, I’m handing them bronze. Then one day I will send them out as equipped as possible to do the amazing task God has in store for them. Somehow my job doesn’t seem so insignificant anymore.
“For David said, ‘Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all lands. I will therefore make preparation for it.’ So David provided materials in great quantity before his death.” 1 Chronicles 22:5
Father, thank You for Your direction and guidance. Thank You for the amazing privilege of preparing my children for their service to You. When this job seems boring, monotonous, and unimportant, remind me of my great calling. Forgive me for not being content in this blessed position. Please guide and equip me as I guide and equip them. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
‘Now, my son, the Lord be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the Lord your God, as he has spoken concerning you. Only, may the Lord grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed. With great pains I have provided for the house of the Lord 100,000 talents of gold, a million talents of silver, and bronze and iron beyond weighing, for there is so much of it; timber and stone, too, I have provided. To these you must add.'” 1 Chronicles 22:11-14
“And you, Solomon my son, 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.” 1 Chronicles 28:9-10
“Then David said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even 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.'” 1 Chronicles 28:20