2 Chronicles 31:21 In everything that he undertook in the service of God’s temple and in obedience to the law and the commands, he sought his God and worked wholeheartedly. And so he prospered.

This passage gives us a glimpse of the duties of the Levites that I don’t recall seeing anywhere else. When people were bringing their offerings of foodstuffs to the temple, that in turn had to be distributed to all the priests and Levites who were eligible to receive it, and here we have a listing of who did what. However, the key element in all of this is expressed in this verse. Hezekiah got it all set up and running properly because he sought God first and foremost. (It’s interesting that where the NIV says, “he pros­pered,” the Japanese says, “he met his goal.”) Seeking God and working wholeheartedly are certainly the keys to success! We seek God because we know we can’t do it on our own, but we work wholeheartedly in service and obedience to Him. Too often we either fail to seek Him in the first place, trying to accomplish things in our own strength and wisdom, or else we become passive, expecting Him to do it all without our participation. Neither course works! We need to remember, and believe, what Jesus said: “Apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) At the same time, we need to follow Paul’s admonition: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” (Colossians 3:23) The wisdom and power are God’s, but we are often called to participate.

This is something I have tried to operate by for quite a few years now, but I can’t say I always succeed. Right now is certainly more training in it. I can’t do or provide what is needed on my own, but that doesn’t mean I’m to be passive. It can be very hard to balance the demands of the larger project with all the little details of my life apart from that project. I’ve got to remember that though I can’t keep it straight, God can, and so make listening to Him my first priority. That of course fits perfectly with what Jesus said in Matthew 6:33 about seeking first God’s kingdom and His righteousness. I’ve got to remember that it’s His Church and His world and His plan, and commit myself to humble, joyful participation as He directs.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for what You enabled us to get done yesterday. Keep me from the poison of resentment about anything I am called on to do. May I indeed rest, relax, and rejoice in You, just as You have told me to do, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!