Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

"Do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you."
But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan,
giving him a message for the king. David was not to have the
privilege of building a house for God, but he was given an assurance
of God's favor: "The Lord tells you that He will make you a
house. ... I will set up your seed after you. ... He shall build a house
for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom
forever."
God explained the reason David was not to build the temple:
"You have shed much blood and have made great wars; you shall
not build a house for My name. ... Behold, a son shall be born to
you, who shall be a man of rest; and I will give him rest from all his
enemies. ... His name shall be Solomon [peaceful], for I will give
peace and quietness to Israel in his days. He shall build a house for
My name." (1 Chronicles 22:8-10).
Though the cherished purpose of his heart had been denied,
David was grateful for the message. He knew that it would be an
honor to his name to perform the work he had planned to do, but he
was ready to submit to the will of God. How often those who are no
longer as young and strong as they once were cling to the hope of
accomplishing some great work that they are not fit to perform!
God's providence may declare that they are to prepare the way for
someone else to accomplish it. But instead of gratefully submitting
to divine direction, many draw back as if offended. If they cannot do
the one thing they want to do, they will do nothing. Many try
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