How does 1 Chronicles 28:20 encourage us to face daunting tasks today? Setting the Scene 1 Chronicles 28 records David’s final public address, handing the enormous task of building the temple to his son Solomon. Verse 20 captures David’s charge and God’s promise in one concise line. > “Then David said to his son Solomon, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.’” (1 Chronicles 28:20) Key Phrase Breakdown • “Be strong and courageous” – an active decision, not merely a feeling. • “Do it” – the command moves from inspiration to action. • “Do not be afraid or discouraged” – fear and dismay are anticipated but forbidden. • “The LORD God, my God, is with you” – personal assurance; David’s God is now Solomon’s. • “He will not fail you or forsake you” – echoes Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5, grounding courage in God’s character. • “Until all the work…is finished” – God’s presence endures through the entire project, not just its start. Timeless Principles for Today • God-given assignments often appear overwhelming; divine presence makes them achievable. • Courage is sustained by remembering Who is with us, not how capable we feel (Joshua 1:9). • God finishes what He starts in and through His people (Philippians 1:6). • The command to act (“do it”) means obedience is measured by movement, not intentions (James 1:22). Practical Ways to Apply • Identify the task God has set before you—parenting, ministry, career change, service project. Write it down. • Replace paralyzing “what-ifs” with scriptural truth: read aloud 1 Chronicles 28:20, Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10 each morning. • Break the task into steps; begin the first step today, acting on “do it.” • Invite accountability: share the verse and your assignment with a trusted believer who can remind you of God’s promise. • Celebrate progress, however small, as evidence that God is actively “not failing or forsaking” you. Encouragement to Move Forward The same God who guaranteed Solomon’s success is unchanging (Malachi 3:6). Because He pledges His unfailing presence, you can step into daunting responsibilities with confidence—strong, courageous, and determined to see the work through to completion. |
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