Read: 1 Chronicles 29:1–5
“So I have provided for the house of my God, so far as I was able, the gold for the things of gold, the silver for the things of silver, and the bronze for the things of bronze, the iron for the things of iron, and wood for the things of wood, besides great quantities of onyx and stones for setting, antimony, colored stones, all sorts of precious stones, and marble in abundance.” 1 Chronicles 29:2
King David was not allowed to build the temple in Jerusalem. The honor of temple construction was offered to David’s son, Solomon. God chose Solomon over David for the project, and while that may have been a disappointment for David, it did not stifle David’s desire to help make the temple a reality. David loved God with his whole heart, and even though David was a deeply flawed man, he desired to offer his very best to his Lord. While David was not chosen to be the builder, he was committed to supplying everything needed for the task. David might not have been the leader of the project, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t play a significant supporting role.
Sometimes we don’t get to do what we want—we get passed over for promotion or someone else is tapped for a leadership role we desired or a project goes in a different direction than we had hoped. In response, we are tempted to walk away feeling frustrated and perhaps, even a bit vindictive. How amazing to see the way David chose to respond to rejection! He didn’t get to do what he wanted to do, but he chose to play a major supporting role in the project all the same. Solomon might have built the temple, but David provided all the materials to make it happen.
Is there a person or a project than needs your support?
Lord, when things don’t go my way, I am tempted to “take my ball and go home.” I am happy to take a leading and visible role in different projects and activities, but if I am somehow overlooked or underappreciated, I find it difficult to be of service. Why am I reluctant to take on supporting roles? Why can’t I celebrate and be a part of great works, even when I am not in charge of them? If David could swallow his pride and get over his disappointment, why can’t I? All I know is that I should gratefully and enthusiastically support Your work in the world. I should simply celebrate the fact that I am allowed to be involved in it at all. In Jesus’ name, I pray. AMEN.