Have you ever decided to do something only to get wise advice shortly thereafter to reverse your decision? Did you follow the wise advice? Or did you follow through with your decision, ignoring the wise advice? Were there regrets later? Did the wise advice prove to be correct?
We sometimes make sudden decisions. They may not be entirely rash, but they are spur of the moment and well-intended. Yet, they may not be as wise as we might think they are initially. We may receive some wise advice not long afterward and we may need to reverse our decision.
King David had that exact situation when he decided to build a temple for God. David was in his new home, looking at the grandeur he lived in, and realized he was living better than the ark of God which was being housed in a tent. He made a quick decision to build a grand temple. Nathan, the prophet who advised David, told him to do what he wanted to do.
Yet, that very night God spoke to Nathan. He told him to go tell David that he would not build a temple for God. David was a battle tested and had blood on his hands. David had been blessed by God to defeat the enemies of Israel and David’s personal enemies. But God had decided the one who would build his temple would be a man without blood on his hands. David’s consolation was that he could begin gathering the materials for the temple.
God may use us in a similar way. We may not be the one who accomplishes the grand task. We may the one who does the groundwork so the grand task can be accomplished. Our pride may take a hit. We may be disappointed. We must remember the groundwork is just as important as the grand task. Without the groundwork being done, the temple could not be built. So, do not be disappointed if you are laying groundwork for someone else to build on later.
I pray we all seek to do God’s work. I pray we are contented to do the groundwork. I pray each one of us are willing to change our decisions to be aligned with God’s infinite wisdom. Do God’s work. Be willing to change your decision. Be willing to lay the groundwork. Seek God’s wisdom.
2 Samuel 7:4-5 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan: Go and tell my servant David: Thus says the Lord: Are you the one to build me a house to live in?
Marty Pressey 