Sally Ferguson always encourages readers to look at the plain truth of scripture and then apply it to their lives. In this Wisdom UPGRADE, she reminds us of a famous king who knew he needed God's help as he made plans for his future. Sally says we need to turn to the Lord regarding the details of our lives too.
"The world has been watching as the monarchy changed hands in England," Sally says. "A cherished Queen passed her torch to her son."
Like much of the world, I (Dawn) watched Queen Elizabeth's memorial service. The regal celebration of her life was only overshadowed by the sadness in her family at her passing. I watched King Charles' face—incredible grief—and wondered what he was thinking. Was he overwhelmed by the role that would soon be his?
Sally continues . . .
The logistics of rulership include reminting currency, updating police uniforms, and building facades to project the King’s image and cypher. The national anthem becomes "God bless the King," and His Majesty’s preferences will take priority. At the end of an era, the Queen’s deeds are memorialized. *
Another son also rose to power when his famous father passed from this life.
King Solomon
Solomon had big sandals to fill when the baton was passed to him. I can imagine his knees quivering as he asked God for help with his new role.
“Give me wisdom and knowledge so I can lead this people, because no one can govern this great people of yours without your help” (2 Chronicles 1:10 CEB).
Had God asked me about my greatest wish, I’m not sure I would have thought to ask for wisdom.
Solomon watched his dad struggle with political egos and expansions, and knew it was beyond his comprehension. David’s rule grew with the kingdom—now it was up to his son to manage.
Some of Solomon’s quest for understanding is recorded for us in the book of Proverbs.
1. Plan away, but God saves the day.
I’m a planner down to the last detail. Sometimes plans must be set aside.
Maybe you’ve experienced this when the phone rang, and your plans changed because of an emergency at home? Or work called and needed extra hands for the task?
It happened to me this summer when my carefully composed itinerary wouldn’t print for our family reunion. Hubby said, “Let’s just go with it,” and we did.
Everything progressed for a fun boating adventure and, as far as I know, we didn’t leave anyone in the middle of the lake.
Solomon says,
“A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them” (Proverbs 16:9 AMP).
Have you been orchestrating details the Lord wants to direct? What would it look like to submit them to God’s guidance?
2. Dedicated plans. Successful outcomes.
When my friend’s Multiple Sclerosis advanced, she opted to seek relief with Stem Cell Replacement Therapy. She gathered a team to help with financial planning, physical care in traveling to Chicago, and practical help at home. It was daunting.
Our prayers felt like desperation knocking on heaven’s door.
My team brainstormed options for fundraising and decided to host a Harvest Fest with vendors, raffle baskets and children’s activities.
- We got on the phone and knocked on doors.
- We prayed for the Lord to do a mighty work for His glory.
- We cheered when people donated supplies and time.
- We celebrated when the farmer volunteered his wagon and horses for a hayride, and when the church rallied around our cause.
The day was a smashing success and a miracle to watch unfold. Six years later, we still marvel at what the Lord did in our midst.
Solomon says,
“Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place" (Proverbs 16:3 MSG).
Do you have trust issues?
God is able to handle the details.
How can you release your desires to God's undertaking?
3. Everything is potential for God’s redemption.
Some things in life don’t feel redeemable. Romans 8:28 reminds us every detail of our lives can be worked into something good for God’s glory.
I wrote a piece for Live & Learn: Unexpected Lessons From God’s Classroom that felt very vulnerable. It laid bare the outbursts I had when my kids were little. It exposed my impatience when life got out of control. And yet it became a tool for healing to see the Lord redeem life in the learning room with God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-7 says we give better to others what we learn from our own suffering.
Proverbs 16:4 says, “The Lord has made everything for its own purpose. . . “(NASB).
If everything has a purpose, then the junk you’re going through will one day be something you’ll treasure.
What part of life leaves you feeling vulnerable? Will you surrender it to God’s safe keeping until it becomes a blessing for someone else?
Solomon’s reasons for writing Proverbs are listed in Proverbs 1:2-6. There are 31 chapters—why not study one each day of the month? You’ll never lose your place when the chapter corresponds with the date on the calendar.
My prayer for today:
Lord, align my will to do Your will and grant me a dream worthy of the pursuit. May Your Name be glorified. Amen.
What dream will you pursue with the Lord’s help?
Sally Ferguson usually has to go through the school of hard knocks to learn her lessons. She’s learning
to let the Lord use her foibles to help others and bring encouragement for the
journey. Her story is available in Live & Learn: Unexpected Lessons From God’s Classroom. Sally lives in western New York with her husband and her dad and is working on a Bible study for caregivers. Catch up with Sally on her on her website.
* Reference: https://www.royal.uk/his-majesty-kings-cypher
Graphic adapted, courtesy of Daniel Kirsch at Pixabay.