But I Would Have Done It....

II Sam. 7
This chapter makes me think of my mom and her unfulfilled desire to be a missionary. It was the only thing she wanted to do, but God in His providence didn't allow it. Instead she got married and became a "missionary to five little savages," me and my four brothers.

David really, really wanted to build God a temple. It was his passion and desire. But God did not allow it. His will was that the building be left to David's son. Was He being cruel? Did He scold David for asking to do something that was not His will? No, He heard David's prayer with gladness in His heart. He blessed David with a revelation and a promise that David's throne would endure forever. (Even David could not have imagined how this would be fulfilled--that his offspring would be God Incarnate, and that Christ would reign forever as the perfect King.)

I think it shows God's heart toward David that He grants Him a fuller knowledge of His plan when David asks for the privilege of doing something for Him. God responds graciously and with abundant promises and blessings.

Maybe it's not that God is "hiding things from us." Maybe He's just waiting for us to show some interest in His plan, even if we bumble the timing and job assignment. I think it rejoices His heart when we're interested in bringing Him glory, and He may even honor us with a deeper understanding of Himself and His plan as a result.