May 24

“My son,” said David to Solomon, “it was in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God, but this word of the LORD came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and waged great wars. You are not to build a house for My Name because you have shed so much blood on the ground before Me. — 1 Chr 22:7-8 BSB

Many people do preparatory work. A man might go to a new land, clear a patch of ground, and build a simple log cabin. His son comes after him, and on that same land, now rich and fertile, he builds a grand house. The father’s work was just as important as the son’s, even though it looked less impressive.

Similarly, some workers dig the foundation for a large building. For weeks, they labor underground. Then, others come and build the beautiful structure on top. The foundation is buried and unseen, but who can say it’s less important than the building above?

The same is true in Christian work. One person prepares the way, another delivers the message that brings salvation. God gives each person their part to do, and if we do our own work faithfully, that’s all He asks. He blesses our intentions, even if others complete the work we began.