And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which spake with his mouth unto David my father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it, saying, Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build an house, that my name might be therein; but I chose David to be over my people Israel.
1 Kings 8:15-16
Before his death, David instructed his son Solomon to take the things that he had already prepared and use them to build the Temple that would be a permanent home for the Ark of the Covenant. David wanted to do that himself, but God had different plans. “But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood” (1 Chronicles 28:3). Solomon spent seven years early in his reign on the project, using carefully crafted stones and wooden beams, and gold and silver and brass for the altars and tools. When the work was completed, he held a great dedication ceremony for the whole nation of Israel. In his remarks, he highlighted a crucial truth about God—everything He says He will do.
God does not make empty promises. He does not say one thing and then later change His mind. Everything He says He will do. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
God does not work on our schedule, but the fact that something He has promised is delayed does not mean it is uncertain. Once God says something, it is settled forever. He fulfills all His promises and commitments, and we can fully trust every one of them. Though others may break promises and let us down, we never need fear that God will fail.
