Have you ever felt inadequate for the work God has called you to do? Have you ever felt overwhelmed under the weight of responsibilities?  Have you ever been unclear about which steps to take in life?

If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it’s okay, because you’re not alone.  Plenty of men and women throughout history have felt the same way.  But I want to encourage you today with some instructions given thousands of years ago from a father to his son.

King David had a desire to build a temple for the Lord, but God made it clear to him that he wouldn’t be the one to build it.  Instead, God chose David’s son Solomon to do the work.

We don’t know exactly how Solomon felt about this call on his life, but it’s reasonable to think that he may have felt inadequate, overwhelmed, or unclear about what to do.  But his father encouraged him with these words: “Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it” (1 Chronicles 28:10, NKJV).  We can learn a lot from those words and make specific applications to our own lives.

First, let’s think about David’s exhortation, “Consider now.”  It’s easy to spend all your energy thinking about the future or dwelling on the past.  But don’t ever forget that your most important time is the moment right now.   Yes, there is value to planning for the future and reflecting on the past, but your greatest return will come from focusing on the present.

It’s okay to dream about the future, but consider what’s already before you.  What responsibilities do you have right now?  Think of them as opportunities instead of obligations.  When you pour your mental, physical, and spiritual energy – your best efforts – into the tasks at hand right now, you’ll be setting yourself up for future success whether you realize it or not.

So, if you desire to grow, start by giving your best right now.  Any great leaders I’ve ever known didn’t suddenly become successful when they were placed in positions of prominence.  Instead, they gave their best efforts in every role they ever played – big or small.   Be the best leader you can be right where you are.

After David instructed Solomon to “consider now,” he reminded him of his special purpose.  “For the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary” he declared (1 Chronicles 28:10).  Just as God chose Solomon to build a temple, He has chosen you to complete important tasks as well.  Your responsibilities are part of a bigger purpose.  The roles you fulfill within your family, church, workplace, or community are not by accident. The Lord has chosen you for significance.

Finally, David delivered a simple yet powerful message: “Be strong, and do it” (1 Chronicles 28:10).  I believe God is telling us those same words today: BE STRONG AND DO IT!

As this scripture has been on my heart lately, I’ve been hearing these words in my spirit dozens of times a day.  When I start to feel intimidated by the task ahead of me, I hear the words, “Be strong, and do it.”  When I lack the confidence to make a firm decision, I hear the words, “Be strong, and do it.”  When I feel overwhelmed and wonder if I can make it, I hear the words, “Be strong, and do it.”

I want you to hear those words today.  Whatever challenge you’re facing, know that by God’s grace, you can make it!  Be strong, and do it!