Preparing the Way

Preparing the Way

by Rachel Blanchard

“And the LORD said unto David my father, Whereas it was in thine heart to build an house unto my name, thou didst well that it was in thine heart. Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house; but thy son that shall come forth out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name”

(1 Kings 8:18-19, KJV).

I once envisioned myself burrowed in a New York City apartment, scribbling a bestseller destined to receive uproarious praise from all major review publications. Now, I find myself burrowed beside a dirty kitchen table, typing this devotion all the more furiously as I sense the end of my baby’s naptime. Instead of a bestselling author, I’m a full-time teacher who has collected a handful of kind messages from fans. But is this place in my life really “settling,” as my former self would’ve said?

My heart’s desire to write rekindled in adulthood. As paralleled in the scripture above, I pray that my desire to inspire others and glorify God is good. Yet, the path I took has not led to the widespread acclaim I imagined.

I wonder if David—as he gathered the silver, gold, iron and brass, stone, timber and organized laborers for what would be his son’s crowning achievement—ever felt a twinge of regret that he wasn’t the one chosen to build Jerusalem’s temple. That was his dream. Instead, God gave him something so much better: a lasting name, an enduring kingship, and blessings on his family. David responded to God’s plan with an outpouring of gratitude and before he died, David got to work building a solid foundation for young Solomon.

As I build knowledge in the students I teach, bring a little sunshine to a reader’s day, or even spark a greater understanding in myself, I can see, not my heart’s desire, but God’s heart towards me. That I may love and lift up his children, bearing fruit in his time, not for recognition but for his higher purposes. And when my attitude is like David’s, my “legacy” never feels more meaningful.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for spiritual blessings—gifts developed in the warmth of your provision, patience, and perfect plan. Please help me seek thy will and not mine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Rachel Blanchard is a teacher, wife, and mother of three young children. She received her BA in English at Truman State University before moving to Central Florida. You can learn more about First in My Heart, her debut romance novel, at her home on the web, rachelblanchardwriter.com. She hopes you find light, love, and encouragement there!