The blocks are still stacked by the side of the house where he left them, covered with a tarpaulin gone white in the sun. He had big plans: a second storey with a verandah looking over the valley, a room for each grandchild when they visited. He drew them himself on graph paper, and they are in a folder in the kitchen drawer with his receipts. Then his heart gave out, and the plans passed, along with the house, to his children.
Many families inherit an unfinished vision. It may be a house, a piece of land meant to be divided, a family business in the downstairs shop, or simply a hope — “one day we’ll build on the land back home” — that a parent spoke about for decades. The children are left with the materials, the paperwork, and the weight of someone else’s dream.
David gathered, Solomon built
King David longed to build a house for God. He was told he would not be the one to build it; his son would (1 Chronicles 22:7–10). So David did what he could. He gathered stone, iron, bronze, cedar and gold. He organised the workers. And, we are told, he gave Solomon the plans — for the porch, the rooms, the courts and the storerooms — that he had received (1 Chronicles 28:11–12).
Then, before the leaders of Israel, he spoke to his son:
“Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God — my God — will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.” (1 Chronicles 28:20, NKJV)
Notice the phrase “my God”. David is not handing Solomon an abstract promise. He is saying: the God who walked with me through everything will walk with you. The one who began this with me will not leave until it is done.
Courage for the second generation
Why would Solomon need courage? He had materials, plans, workers and a kingdom. But anyone who has been handed a parent’s project knows the fears. Will I do it right? Will I honour what he wanted? What if I can’t afford to finish it? What if my brothers and sisters disagree? What if I don’t even want the same thing he wanted?
David’s words speak to those fears directly: do not fear, do not be dismayed. The task is real, but so is the presence of God in it.
Honouring the plans without being ruled by them
Solomon built the temple largely as David had planned. But families finishing a parent’s house are not always called to follow the graph paper exactly. Circumstances change. The second storey may no longer make sense if no one will live there. Costs may have risen beyond reach. Some siblings may need their share now rather than a grand house later.
Honouring a parent’s vision may mean asking what lay underneath it. Did he want a big house, or did he want a place where the family would gather? Did she want the land built on, or did she want it kept in the family? Sometimes the truest way to finish their work is to fulfil the purpose rather than the drawing.
Practical steps that often help:
- Gather everything: the plans, receipts, approvals, title and any will. Know what you actually have.
- Get proper advice on the estate and title before spending money on construction.
- Have a structural check of the existing building before adding to it.
- Talk openly as siblings about what each of you wants and can contribute, and put agreements in writing.
- Decide together what “finished” means, so the project has an end.
If you are the one drawing the plans
David’s example also speaks to parents. He did not leave Solomon a mess. He gathered materials, organised helpers, put the plans in writing and spoke his blessing publicly. If you have a vision for your house or land that may outlast you, consider doing the same: make a will, sort the title, write down what you hope for and why, and talk to your children while you can. Then trust that the God who has been your God will be theirs.
For reflection
- Have you inherited an unfinished project or vision? What fears does it bring?
- What was the deeper purpose behind the plans you were handed?
- If you are a parent, what could you put in order now to make things easier for those who come after you?
A prayer: Lord God, you were my parents’ God, and you are mine. Give me courage to take up what they began, wisdom to understand what they truly hoped for, and unity with my family as we decide together. Do not leave us until the work is finished. Amen.
This article is general information only and is not financial, legal, tax or other professional advice. Please speak to a qualified professional about your own circumstances.
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