the STANDard :: february

David had an idea... to build a house for The Lord. it was a great and noble idea, but it was not God's idea, it was David's. God's plan was for David's son to build the temple.

i have lots of ideas. my close friends and family know this because i consistently start conversations with..." i have this idea..." some of them have actually taken shape and come to pass. most of them haven't. i've found myself deeply discouraged at times when my 'brilliant, beyond brilliant' ideas fall through or don't get off the ground. i wonder if David initially felt that way? discouraged and deflated when he realized that God wasn't on board with his idea...even though it was his own son, Solomon, that would be taking on the task of building the temple.

and then there are times when one of my ideas begins to come to life.... it's thrilling at first! but often i can start to get anxious about my ability to pull it off, or rather my inability (read: insecurity). i get caught up in what if, i can't, and yeah, but.

so the verse that i've chosen for this month is perfectly timed. i only came across it yesterday... i'd had a different verse in mind originally. but as i'm in the midst of attempting to breathe life into a few different ideas at the moment (all of which i'm spreading out before The Lord prior to any official decision making!) this verse brought a smile to my face and joy to my heart.

when God gives the green light on an idea or project there is no time to waste, no excuse for excuses, and no need to worry because if it's truly HIS idea, he'll bring it to pass. HE will empower and enable us to accomplish what HE sets before us to do.

so whatever ideas you have in your head, spread them out before The Lord first. then, if... or when... he gives you the go ahead.... be encouraged, cowgirl (or cowboy) up, hunker down, get to work and make it happen! let us commit together to not let the enemy beat us down with discouragement or lead us astray with anxiety. they are dead ends.

1 Chronicles 28:10 :: the message::
"...TAKE CHARGE! TAKE HEART! don't be anxious or get discouraged. God is with you in this."

1 Chronicles 28:10 :: niv::
"...be strong and courageous, and do the work. do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God is with you."