timelines.

“So it took seven years to build the Temple.” 1 Kings 6:38b

It feels like it’s been a lifetime that I’ve been praying for a particular situation. I was greatly discouraged after talking to one of the people that I’m praying for, but then God laid the above scripture on me this morning. Solomon was doing a great thing for the Lord; he was building a Temple to honor Him…but it took time to complete the structure.

I’m not a builder, architect, etc. but I can imagine the process for building something goes a little like this: plan, hire workers, gather materials, break ground, build support structure, complete structure, check work. Perhaps I’m simplifying it too much, but here’s the parallel:

When praying for God to build someone’s temple (we are temples of the Holy Spirit), it takes TIME. God is amazing and can miraculously change someone, but that person has to WANT change. Therefore in the situation I’m praying for, it may take time.

Just because I don’t see the change I want to see, doesn’t mean God isn’t working in the process of building their temple… So, I’ll continue to pray even if it takes 7 (or more) years.