What To Do When You Don’t Get Your Way
“When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.”
II Samuel 7:12-13
God had given David rest from all his enemies. As he sat in his house, he had a thought, and expressed this to Nathan the prophet.
“… See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains.”
II Samuel 7:2
David told Nathan that he wanted to build a temple for God.
Caught up in the moment and feeling David’s enthusiasm, Nathan said,
“… Go, do all that is in your heart, for the LORD is with you.”
II Samuel 7:3
But, later that night, Nathan received a message from God that He didn’t want David to build the temple. David’s son would build it.
However, in this message was something that would encourage David.
“And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.”
II Samuel 7:16
David really wanted to build the temple. God said no.
Instead of pouting about not getting his way, David kept a good attitude and prayed a prayer of gratitude and thanksgiving.
“Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: “Who am I, O Lord GOD? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord GOD; and You have also spoken of Your servant’s house for a great while to come. Is this the manner of man, O Lord GOD?”
II Samuel 7:18-19
David didn’t stop there. He started to work on getting supplies and making preparations for the temple.
“Now David said, “Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all countries. I will now make preparation for it.” So David made abundant preparations before his death.”
I Chronicles 22:5
Perhaps you’ve prayed and asked God to let you do something and He said no. Maybe you prayed about a job or a promotion and realized that it wasn’t God’s will for you to have it.
Instead of sitting around and sulking. Think about what God has blessed you with, and pray a prayer of thanksgiving. Then, look for ways to be supportive and help others. Pray for their success!
