05/01/2025
I’ll never forget walking past my 16-year-old daughter’s bedroom late one evening when I heard the sweetest, angelic voice. As I stood speechless in the hallway with my ear pressed up against her door, I discovered my daughter was singing.
It was like the Lord whispered, All the preparation and lessons you learned were purposeful. You were gathering to deposit into her.
I recalled worshipping God with my pregnant tummy right up against the piano. Making dinner and singing praise songs while she finished her homework. Without even realizing it, I had created a worshipful atmosphere in my home, welcoming God’s presence. The “stage” wasn’t the one I had envisioned, but it was far greater than I could have imagined, with blessings still to come!
King David had a similar experience with his desire to build a permanent place for the Lord to dwell. Why would God tell David that he wouldn’t be the one to fulfill the dream? His son, Solomon, would.
David’s role as a warrior was still crucial in building the temple. The battles David won against the surrounding nations led to the peace necessary for building the temple in Israel. However, David’s dream had to shift from what he had envisioned to what God had planned.
David made an incredible decision: He focused on what he could do. In 1 Chronicles 22:5, we read that David gathered supplies, craftsmen, workmen, and more than enough funds for the temple to be “exceedingly magnificent” (ESV). David went as far above and beyond as if he'd be the one building it. He gathered what would be needed, like a deposit, investing in what God had purposed for Solomon.
David chose to walk in trust and humility. He trusted God’s plan to use him, even though it was not the way he expected. Proverbs 16:9 explains this beautifully: “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”
Where is God calling you to shift or let go of what you envisioned or planned? What “supplies” are you gathering to be able to deposit into someone else? God never wastes anything and will use everything for His glory and your good.
-Deanna Peters, COMPEL Pro Writers Training member
What are a few life experiences you can now view as “supplies” for someone else?
