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Getting Ahead of God

2 Samuel 7:1-3 "Before long, the king made himself at home and God gave him peace from his enemies. Then one day King David said to Nathan the prophet, "Look at this: here I am, comfortable in a luxurious house of cedar, and the Chest of God sits in a plain tent." Nathan told the king, "Whatever is on your heart, go and do it. God is with you." (The Message)

David had a wonderful idea for a building project. It was an admirable idea - the people would surely back him up. His prophet gave the blessing to go ahead so it must be ok. But it was not to be. Later in the same chapter, God gives a message to Nathan to pass along to David. In verses 8-11, God essentially says "I have never had a cedar house before and it is not your job to build me one now". In spite of what Nathan had told David earlier, God had not blessed this plan. God tells him that it will be his son that will build the temple - David has just killed too many men.

How often do we run ahead of God? We make plans - good plans - admirable plans - even noble. Once we have made our plan, we bring it to God and ask Him to bless it.

Did you notice that not once in the first three verses of 2 Samuel 7 is it recorded that David or Nathan prayed about building the temple? Nathan didn't even ask for God's blessing, he just gave it unsolicited. Seems a little presumptuous to me....

HOW OFTEN DO WE DO THE VERY SAME THING?

But God - in the way that only He can - put a halt to their plans. He had a better idea. He would build David a house instead! A house that would last forever.God had another plan for David and it blessed him beyond his wildest dreams.

The next time things don't go as planned or God put's up a roadblock, hang on - you may be in for the ride of your life!

"Father, Help us to wait on You. Help us to look for Your best plan instead of our good one. Help us to understand that when things don't always go the way we think they should that You still have our best interests at heart. Take us for a ride, Lord. Show us Your glory!"

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