How do we know when God wants to build something in our lives? Look for the signs. You easily identified the seasons associated with my word pictures above. God often gives us hints that change
is on the way as well.
Signs of Change (Read 1 Kings 1:1-4)
A common sign of impending change is the emergence of fresh needs. David was aging. He needed to be relieved of the responsibilities of leadership and Israel needed fresh hope for the future.
The end of an era was upon them. We must learn to realize when it is time to end something. Some ministries are only meant for a season. We are only designed to parent children as children for a season. (We all know parenting never really ends, but it does change!) The inter-workings of our business offices, university classrooms, and church services often require change.
I like to reflect on Abishag’s life. For information sake, the great historian Josephus relates that the servant’s idea for Abishag’s assistance was a common medical treatment of the day; immorality was not a factor in this decision. But imagine Abishag, one day at home, perhaps caring for an aging parent or grandparent (I love to imagine God preparing her in this way), and then the next day she is serving the king.
Some change is difficult to accept, but resisting that change can be even more devastating.
WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS THAT CHANGE IS NEEDED IN YOUR LIFE?
Motivation for Change (Read 1 Kings 1:5-12)
Often when we resist the need for change, God will step in or allow others to step in to bring the necessary motivation. In verses 5-12 David’s fourth son, Adonijah, “put himself forward” to be king. The only thing worse than missing a change God wants to make in your life is making a change that is not from God. Adonijah’s ideas for his future were not initiated by the Lord. Are yours?
The only positive aspect of his arrogance was it got everyone else moving! We may not understand the change God wants to bring in our lives, but sometimes the wrong person assuming a certain role can open our eyes.
My life as a Bible study teacher began according to that pattern. I started a neighborhood group but only as coordinator, not teacher. It never crossed my mind to be the teacher - until the leader repeatedly showed up unprepared and uninspired. I knew this was not the vision for the group. I was finally open to hearing God call me to teach. I was nervous, but He was faithful!
What situation in your life has you “stirred up” on the inside?
Perhaps God is motivating you to be more involved.
Another motivating factor may simply be protecting God’s call on your life. At the end of the passage when Nathan enters the picture, he is not being melodramatic about the threat on Bathsheba and Solomon’s lives. If Adonijah had succeeded in taking the throne they would have been killed immediately as potential threats. Nathan was motivated to protect God’s call on Solomon’s life.
How does your call need to be protected?
WHAT IS GOD USING TO MOTIVATE YOU TOWARD SOME CHANGES IN YOUR LIFE?
Moving Forward with Change (Read 1 Kings 1:13-27)
Once we see the signs and sense the motivation within it is time to move forward.
Nathan had a plan to approach David calmly and diplomatically. He is a great example of not panicking under pressure. It would have been easy and even understandable for him and Bathsheba to run to David frantic and accusatory. But they had a plan and relied on the promises God had given. They took the first step forward and God blessed it. We don’t need the five-year plan or even the one-year plan. We simply need God’s plans, God’s steps for today. Moving forward is about taking “baby steps” on God’s directed path.
WHAT STEPS IS GOD ASKING YOU TO TAKE TODAY?
New Beginnings (Read 1 Kings 1:28-53)
When we allow God to bring change in our lives, it is a time of new beginnings. As David joyfully placed Solomon on the throne, many rejoiced. Though I am sure there was a sense of sadness for the end of David’s wonderful reign as king, God’s new season for Israel had great potential.
The key element necessary for new beginnings is a godly foundation. Absalom “put himself forward” and tried to create a new atmosphere on his own. Solomon, however, waited for God’s timing and anointing to move forward in the new call on his life. Are the “new things” in your life the result of God’s initiation or yours? Or someone else’s?
Building requires preparation and preparation requires change – look for the signs, submit to the motivating factors, move forward and begin anew! Enjoy! God is Faithful!
WHAT SEASON IS IT FOR YOU AND THE LORD?