Whose Job Is It?

He is the one who will build a house for my name…

2 Samuel 7:13 CSB

When I served on the church staff in Texas, my passion was clear: helping women grow in their relationship with the Lord. Discipleship has always been at the heart of my ministry. After years of investing in that calling, God moved me to a new place, opening another door for women’s ministry. Leaving the friends and leaders I had served with was painful—I truly believed I would be there for life.

But God answered my prayer. The woman who stepped into my role was exactly the right person for the next season. I had seen that ministry born and nurtured like a baby. Looking back, I now see God’s wisdom in moving me out—not because I had failed, but because He had something new for her to do that I could not.

The same happened when I retired from my next assignment. God raised another leader to carry the work forward, taking it further than I could have imagined. That’s the beauty of serving in God’s kingdom—it’s never about building something for ourselves. It’s His work, in His time, through His people.

In 1 Kings 3, we read how Solomon completed the temple and the wall around Jerusalem. Yet it was David, his father, who had dreamed of building a permanent dwelling for God’s presence. David’s heart was in it, but God had different plans. The task would belong to his son. David’s role was to reign faithfully and prepare the way for his successor.

If you are in ministry—whether leading, teaching, serving, or simply showing up—remember this: one day, someone else will carry the work forward. How are you preparing for that handoff? How can you support those who come after you?

Lord, this ministry has never been mine—it is Yours. Help me serve faithfully and humbly, trusting You with the when, where, how, and who. May I honor You in every season, knowing it is You who builds the house.

 Chris Adams