Stay on Task

2 Samuel chapter 7 deals with David sharing with Nathan his earnest desire to build a temple for the Ark of the Covenant. The scripture text opens stating that the Lord had granted David rest from all his enemies. As a result David had a lot of time on his hands. David loved God so much that he wanted to do something outstanding for God so he proposed to build a temple.

Initially, Nathan was on board and encouraged David to go for it; after all, it was a good desire, David had the means and the time on his hands to accomplish it and he had the heart to do it. As a man of God, Nathan didn't see anything out of order about David's desire. However, God came to Nathan that same night and instructed him to go back to David and to let David know that the opportunity to build a temple for the Ark did not belong to David. There are good things that we have the ability and the means to do, but that does not necessarily translate to those things being our job to accomplish. We get inspiration and ideas and we move; rather than seeking God first. The vision that you see may be set for someone else to accomplish. You may just be planting the seed for someone else to come along and water so that God can give the increase. The lesson to take in here is that we must stay on task with the will of God for our lives and the only way to know His will is to remain connected to our covering. David often sought God himself, especially, when it came to going into battle, but when the Word of God came to him through Nathan he accepted it.

It must have been an awkward situation for Nathan to have to go back to David and share with him that he wasn't the person that would be building a temple for the Ark. Interestingly, God gave Nathan further information to reveal to David. God revealed to David what was actually in store for him and for his legacy. To this news David responded in humility. He began to pray and talk with God. He shared with God how honored he was and most importantly this scripture text highlights that David accepted God's will. This is important to note here, because David's heart desire was a stake. He could have gotten caught up in his own ego--justifying himself with the notion that what he wanted to do was for God and it was a good thing. But he realized that if he were to press forward after Nathan had instructed him differently, then he would have been acting in his own will and not in God's will.

This is a nuance that Christians do not always grasp. We feel like if we do good we have done God's will, but that's not the message that God wants us to understand. Doing God's will is doing God's will. We know what that will is when we seek His face. What desire have you shared with your leadership and didn't get the green light on? Did you try to press ahead with it anyway? We've got to stay in position to hear and to know God's voice and to respond, to move and to act upon His bidding.

A good measure of knowing when you are doing God's will is to evaluate if God's people are edified and if God is glorified. Being in God's will provides us with joy, peace and people are developed and moved to position where they are uplifted and can give God glory. Proceeding with our own will provides us with self satisfaction, but there's no joy and no peace with it. Sometimes we tend to mix the two situations, but one is a constant state of being and the other is emotional gymnastics that can be swayed by people's compliments or criticism.

Did everything fall into place? Then chances are that was God's will. Were you challenged, but your faith was made stronger? Chances are that was God's will. Was it about God's people? Chances are that was God's will. Did you remove yourself, your attitude, your pride and your ego? Chances are that was God's will. Did God open up opportunities and doors for you? Chances are that was God's will. Did God send provision your way to help you? Did God grant you favor? Was the outcome reconciliation of souls to the Father or applause for you? Did you have to struggle or contend with your brother? Did you have to force your agenda or your idea? Did you feel a sense of urgency to get done what you wanted to get done?

I imagine that initially when David heard the news from Nathan his heart hurt because he loved God so much and he wanted to show it in this specific way, but I am impressed with and long to learn from the fact that David simply began to thank and to praise God. David heard the other part of what Nathan said. Sometimes we can even remember the other part of what God has told us because we're so focused on trying to do something that we want to do and to get everyone on board with it. David recognized that it's God's mercy that put him where he was and that kept him where he was. As a result David humbled himself. I can see why He was a man after God's heart. What God revealed to David was awesome and Nathan was very encouraging in his delivery. David went on to pray and to stay on task.

Be encouraged today that God will reveal to you the difference between your will and His will and if you desire God will begin to move you into a place where you recognize that your will must align with His will. What God has for you is meant to promote you not to pacify you. It's meant to be your testimony not your temper tantrum. God wants the best out of you and for you and as that happens in your life you will be pressed, but the result will be reproduction. Stay on task with what God wants you to do. Don't be detracted by what you feel you can do or what you wish people knew about you. Praise God for who He is and for what He's actually telling you to do and sharing with you about your future.