1 Chronicles 28:20 Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. (ESV)
Solomon was inheriting a kingdom; he was following in the footsteps of the great warrior-king, his father, a “man after God’s own heart.” He was young; his heritage was marred by scandal; there was sibling rivalry; envy that could likely result in assassination or revolt. Add to all this, Solomon is charged to build a temple, a permanent fixture for God to meet with His people. And I get the jitters with a simple room remodel or upgrade!
I just love the promise in this verse. I often bristle at the command. There are no emotional platitudes; no “oh, you poor baby, I know how hard this must be, I just can’t imagine how you are going to do this. . .” No. Not this time. Not here (and, yes, I understand this is a father commissioning his adult son, and the verse is penned under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit).
Be strong.
Be courageous.
Do it.
Don’t be afraid
Don’t get discouraged.
How is that possible? How can I accomplish a seemingly impossible, or at least very difficult task, without fear, without discouragement, without weakness, without tenacity, without fail?
God is with you.
God will not leave you.
God will not forsake you.
God will be with you until all the work . . . is finished. . .
Plea for Grace 