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The Gift of Prophecy May 7
Disappointments for the Best
“Now it came to pass, as David sat in his house, that David said to
Nathan the prophet, Lo, I dwell in an house of cedars, but the ark of the
covenant of the Lord remaineth under curtains. Then Nathan said unto
David, Do all that is in thine heart; for God is with thee. And it came to
pass the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, Go
and tell David my servant, Thus saith the Lord, Thou shalt not build me
an house to dwell in” (1 Chronicles 17:1–4).
David knew that it would be an honor to his name and would
bring glory to his government to perform the work that he had purposed
in his heart to do, but he was ready to submit his will to the will
of God. The grateful resignation thus manifested is rarely seen, even
among Christians. How often do those who have passed the strength
of manhood cling to the hope of accomplishing some great work
upon which their hearts are set, but which they are unfitted to perform!
God’s providence may speak to them, as did His prophet to
David, declaring that the work which they so much desire is not committed
to them. It is theirs to prepare the way for another to accomplish
it. But instead of gratefully submitting to the divine direction,
many fall back as if slighted and rejected, feeling that if they cannot
do the one thing which they desire to do, they will do nothing. Many
cling with desperate energy to responsibilities which they are incapable
of bearing, and vainly endeavor to accomplish a work for which
they are insufficient, while that which they might do, lies neglected.
And because of this lack of cooperation on their part the greater work
is hindered or frustrated. 11
All the difficulties, the backsets, the hardships, and the disappointments
which God’s servants will meet in active labor will only
strengthen them in the formation of correct characters. 12
Better far the cross and disappointed hopes, than to live with
princes and forfeit heaven. 13
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