2 Chronicles 3:1 “Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord had appeared to his father David, at the place that David had prepared on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.” 

COMMITTED

As directed by God through his father David, Solomon began the work on the temple. I bet he didn’t know when he started this project that it would be 20 years until it was completed.  I can’t think of anything I have done consistently for 20 years.  That’s a long time.  But Solomon stuck with it.  Why?

I believe we can find two reasons.  One – he wanted to honor his God.  Every aspect of this construction project had one thing in mind.  He wanted to build a “house” worthy of his God.  Two – he wanted to honor his father.  David had been a great king and father and deserved this obedience.

TEACHING MOMENT

 “So, Carl, what do we teach our children or learn ourselves from this verse?”  I’m glad you asked that. Commitment!  Sticking to something!  Too many people today stop trying.  Too many people today give in when it gets hard.  Your children need to learn to stick with what they started. They need to see things through.

I remember one year the team motto for my favorite football team was “Finish the Drill!”  That was their goal for the year.  Finish what they started.  Finish what they came to do. Don’t stop when the going gets tough.  Hang on.

Have you been tempted lately to throw in the towel?  Have you wanted to just stop?  Don’t!  Go back to the One who gave you your marching orders.  Our heavenly Father will give you the strength and determination to continue. Look to Him for the motivation you need to carry on.

Father, on the days I want to quit, don’t let me. Remind me of my calling to follow You wherever You lead.  When I face an obstacle remind me You allowed it to make me better.