It’s Not for You - Encouragement for Today - April 30, 2025
It’s Not for You
DEANNA PETERS, COMPEL Pro Member
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“The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (ESV)
Have you ever had to let go of a desire that you thought was in God’s plan for you? After all, it would be to glorify God, so it should be in the express lane for His approved route! But somewhere along the way, you realize things have shifted, and your dream will be fulfilled by someone else.
My dream was to be on stage, creating an atmosphere of worship for others to experience God’s tangible presence. I wanted to do everything in my power to be ready for the moment God gave me the green light. Except the green light never came, at least not in the way I expected.
I’ll never forget walking past my 16-year-old daughter’s bedroom late one evening when I heard the sweetest, angelic voice. As I stood speechless in the hallway with my ear pressed up against her door, I discovered my daughter was singing.
It was like the Lord whispered, All the preparation and lessons you learned were purposeful. You were gathering to deposit into her.
I recalled worshipping God with my pregnant tummy right up against the piano. Making dinner and singing praise songs while she finished her homework. Without even realizing it, I had created a worshipful atmosphere in my home, welcoming God’s presence. The “stage” wasn’t the one I had envisioned, but it was far greater than I could have imagined, with blessings still to come!
King David had a similar experience with his desire to build a permanent place for the Lord to dwell. Why would God tell David that he wouldn’t be the one to fulfill the dream? His son, Solomon, would.
David’s role as a warrior was still crucial in building the temple. The battles David won against the surrounding nations led to the peace necessary for building the temple in Israel. However, David’s dream had to shift from what he had envisioned to what God had planned.
David made an incredible decision: He focused on what he could do. In 1 Chronicles 22:5, we read that David gathered supplies, craftsmen, workmen, and more than enough funds for the temple to be “exceedingly magnificent” (ESV). David went as far above and beyond as if he'd be the one building it. He gathered what would be needed, like a deposit, investing in what God had purposed for Solomon.
David chose to walk in trust and humility. He trusted God’s plan to use him, even though it was not the way he expected. Proverbs 16:9 explains this beautifully: “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.”
Where is God calling you to shift or let go of what you envisioned or planned? What “supplies” are you gathering to be able to deposit into someone else? God never wastes anything and will use everything for His glory and your good.
Father, thank You for the desires and gifts You have placed in me. Lord, help me remain yielded to You, trusting You have a marvelous destiny planned for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established” (ESV).
1 Chronicles 22:7-8, “David said to Solomon, ‘My son, I had it in my heart to build a house to the name of the LORD my God. But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, … “You shall not build a house to my name …”’” (ESV).
Are there any plans God may be asking you to commit to Him?
What are a few life experiences you can now view as “supplies” for someone else? We’d love to hear your thoughts — share them in the comments!
© 2025 by Deanna Peters. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
