2 Samuel 7:8-11 – Achievements are God’s granted privileges

Nathan’s affirmation of David’s desire to build God a permanent place was premature. So God acted swiftly by coming to the prophet with a message for David.  While God acknowledged David’s good intention, he, however, would not be the one to build God that permanent place. Along with the news for David that he would not be the one to build God the permanent house, Nathan was to remind David of all that God had done and would do for him.

Nathan was to begin by reminding David of the privilege God had granted him. He was only a shepherd running after sheep when God picked him up and made him the ruler of His people. And the great success he experienced could only come because God was with him in all his assignments. This accounts for why he was able to deal with the enemies all around him. Nathan was to outline God’s three promises to David. Firstly, God would make him a great name. Secondly, God would give David and his people rest from the enemies just like what he did for them in the days of the judges. And thirdly, God would establish David’s house and raise his dynasty.

These verses remind us that no one can achieve greatness without God. Like what He did for David, God can also help us to achieve. He can lift us up from obscurity, deal with our weaknesses, then promote us to a place of prominence. The success we desire, and will ever attain, must begin with God. They are all God granted privileges. When we have that perspective, we will not allow pride to make us think that we have achieved by our own design. Our ability to overcome every opposing force in life can only be accomplished with God’s help. Without God's assistance, we will be languishing in defeat and amount to nothing. But when we allow God to work through us, then and only then can we experience an impactful and lasting ministry. All praise and honor be to God!