“Be strong and courageous, and do the work.” – 1 Chronicles 28:20a, NLT
I sat in front of my computer monitor. Three months, I thought. I have only three months to finish this book. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. My neck was tight, and my shoulders were sagging under the heavy load. I opened up the Word for encouragement and turned to my Bible reading passage for the day – 1 Chronicles 28.
King David summoned all the officials of Israel to assemble at Jerusalem for an important announcement:
“Listen to me, my fellow Israelites, my people. I had it in my heart to build a house as a place of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, for the footstool of our God, and I made plans to build it. But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for my Name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood. Solomon your son is the one who will build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father (28:2-3, 6, NLT).” Then, in the presence of all the people, David presented Solomon with detailed instructions on the project. “Every part of this plan,” David told Solomon, “was given to me in writing from the hand of the Lord (28:19).”
At this point, David turned to Solomon and said: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly (28:20, NLT).”
The Lord spoke to my heart loudly and clearly through that last verse. I sensed him saying, “Kristen, be strong and courageous. I am with you. I have chosen you to write this book, just as I chose David to be king and Solomon to build the Temple. You can trust me to provide everything you need. I will see to it that the book is written just as I want it to be.”
Are you feeling overwhelmed by what God has called you to do? Don’t let fear keep you from moving forward. Remember, God is with you. Put your trust in him, and remind yourself daily, if necessary: “What is impossible with man is possible with God (Luke 18:27).”
Be strong in the Lord, and do the work. God will take care of the rest.
Hi Kristen,
I’m so thankful God lead me to your site as well. I have been using your recipes as well as your devotions daily while I complete the fast. Will you join me in praying for marital restoration between my wife and I?
Thank you!
Thank you for your comments! I pray God pours out His favor on your life as you seek Him, and may His love bring healing to your marriage. He is a God of restoration, who makes ALL things new!
As I’m getting ready to write my third year law exams. This morning three scriptures stood out for me; Dan 1:12 & 17, Dan 6:3. And to my amazement, and to the glory of God I was led and found your message. Thank you that you are willing to be used by God to help others.
I’m so glad the Lord led you to my website! I pray He fills you with wisdom and favor as you complete your exams. May the Lord bless the work of your hands and give you success!
I know I was led to this devotion today. I had a really difficult day and I felt overwhelmed by the challenges for which I am seeking God’s guidance. I felt like giving up…instead God lead me to this message. Thank you very much!
Blessings and Peace,
CAM
I’m thankful the Lord brought you to it! When I feel overwhelmed, I remember God’s promise in 2 Peter 1:3: “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” You have everything you need to do what lies before you. The Lord is with you, and He will show you the way to go!
What a wonderful message, Kristen. I’m glad God led me to your site. I just began the Daniel Fast today and one of the areas I’m seeking God’s peace is my career. This devotion really hit home with me and I’m thankful for it. Thank you!
Thank YOU for your comments! I’m thankful God led you to my website as well. 🙂 I pray the Lord will give you wisdom and insight re: your job as you seek Him on your fast. “The LORD says, ‘I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you (Psalm 32:8, NLT).'” May the Lord bless you richly as you seek Him!