Growing up, one of my favorite movies was The Dark Crystal. If you've seen it, you probably remember the Skeksis. The Emperor is dying, and instead of grieving or honoring him, they're circling the throne. They're plotting, making alliances, pushing each other aside, all trying to be the next one in power.
That's exactly what came to mind as I read 1 Kings 1.
David is old. His reign is coming to an end. And before he's even gone, his son Adonijah decides he's going to be king. He gathers supporters, throws himself a coronation party, and acts as though the throne is already his.
The problem wasn't that he wanted to lead.
The problem was that God had already chosen someone else.
Adonijah was trying to take what could only be given by God's appointment. How often do we do the same thing?
Maybe it's not a throne. Maybe it's a ministry, a relationship, a career, a platform, or even recognition. We start pushing doors open, trying to prove ourselves, gathering support, hoping that if we work hard enough, people will see us.
But God's kingdom has never been built on self promotion. It is built on obedience. One of the things I've had to learn is that if God has truly called you, you don't have to spend your life fighting for the throne. You don't have to manipulate people into believing in you. You don't have to force opportunities or strive to make His promises happen.
What God ordains, He establishes.
That doesn't mean we sit back and do nothing. We work. We prepare. We stay faithful. But we refuse to step ahead of God just because His timing feels slower than we'd like.
Adonijah grabbed for the throne. But Solomon received it. There's a difference.
We need to ask ourselves, are we trying to force something God never asked us to fight for, or are we trusting Him to open the right doors in His perfect time.
The safest place to be is never the highest position.
It's right in the center of God's will.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6
Love Pastor Mandy
Ark of Hope Ministry
Daily Reading 1 Kings 1-2
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