God’s will is not a goal we pursue on our own terms; it is part of His divine plan. God calls us to fulfill His will according to His purpose, through His chosen people, in His designated place, within His perfect timing, and by His prescribed methods.
The construction of the first Temple in Jerusalem, envisioned by King David and built by King Solomon, illustrates how these six elements—What, Why, Who, Where, When, and How—work together to accomplish God’s plan.
What Is God’s Will? (The Goal of His Plan)
God’s will defines the specific objective He intends to achieve. What is the goal God seeks? It represents the tangible outcome of His divine intention.
God’s will was to establish a Temple, a permanent house for His presence in Israel, where His people could worship, offer sacrifices, and experience His glory (1 Chronicles 28:2-3). The Temple was a physical structure to centralize Israel’s worship.
Why Does God Desire This Goal? (The Purpose of His Plan)
God’s purpose reveals the deeper reason behind His will, explaining its significance. Why is this goal important to God? It reflects His eternal intentions, glorifying Him and blessing His creation.
The Temple’s purpose was to symbolize God’s covenant with Israel, His desire to dwell among them, and His plan to provide a place for atonement and worship, ultimately pointing to reconciliation through Christ (2 Chronicles 6:18-20).
Who Does God Call to Participate? (His Chosen Team)
God selects specific individuals or groups to carry out His will, equipping them for their roles. Who are the key people involved? These may include leaders, communities, or unexpected individuals chosen by God.
God chose David to envision the Temple and gather resources, though he was not permitted to build it due to his role as a warrior (1 Chronicles 22:8-10). Solomon, David’s son, was tasked with constructing it, leveraging his God-given wisdom (1 Kings 5:5). Artisans, laborers, and the people of Israel contributed materials and skills, forming God’s team (1 Chronicles 29:6-9).
Where Does God This Fulfilled? (The Context of His Plan)
God’s will unfolds in specific places or circumstances, whether physical or spiritual. Where will His plan be implemented? This could be a specific location or a broader context, as God directs.
God designated Mount Moriah in Jerusalem as the Temple’s site (2 Chronicles 3:1), a place of spiritual significance where Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22:2). It served as the central hub for Israel’s worship.
When Does God This Accomplished? (His Timeline)
God’s plan unfolds within His perfect timing, which may differ from human expectations. What is the timeline for fulfilling His will? It may involve immediate action, preparation, or a long-term vision.
God’s timeline spanned generations: David received the vision and gathered resources during his reign, but the construction occurred under Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:5-6). The Temple was completed in seven years (2 Chronicles 5:1), requiring patience and trust in God’s timing.
How Does God Want This to Be Carried Out? (His Process and Resources)
God provides specific methods, resources, and guidance to accomplish His will. What steps or resources does He provide? Through prayer, Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and community, God equips His people.
God gave David detailed plans for the Temple through divine revelation (1 Chronicles 28:11-12). Resources included gold, silver, cedar, and skilled craftsmen from Israel and Tyre (2 Chronicles 2:7-16). Solomon executed the plan with precision, guided by prayer and worship (2 Chronicles 6:14-21).
The building of the first Temple demonstrates how God’s will, purpose, people, place, timing, and methods align to fulfill His divine plan. Just as David and Solomon trusted God’s direction, we are called to follow His will with faith, aligning with His purpose and process.