While reading through the Open Heavens devotional this morning, this verse stood out to me in a profound way. As I reflected on it, the Spirit revealed something crucial about the work God has given each of us and the foundation we must have to carry it out effectively. To have a solid foundation to help us fulfill our ministry here on earth, you need to know how to build a solid relationship with God.
At first glance, the verse simply tells us that Solomon came to Jerusalem from Gibeon, from before the tabernacle of meeting, and then reigned over Israel. But if we look deeper, it teaches us an important principle: where we come from determines how effective we will be in the work God has called us to do.
God has a divine assignment for every believer—work that only His Spirit can accomplish. No human effort, no amount of talent or intellect, can substitute for this. The Bible is clear: “By the flesh can no man prevail” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Spirit-led work cannot be carried out with human energy alone. Therefore, what we do before stepping into our assignment matters more than we often realize.
As we carry out our God-given assignment on earth, God does not leave us without blessings when we cultivate a personal relationship with Him.
The principle is simple: if God’s Spirit is going to work through us, we must begin in His presence. Before we execute His assignments, we must first receive His instruction, guidance, and grace. This is why the “secret place”—the time we spend alone with God—is not optional. It is foundational. When Solomon came from Gibeon, he was coming from a place of intimacy with God. He did not step into leadership from a casual or indifferent place; he first positioned himself in God’s presence.
Unfortunately, in today’s generation, many people attempt to carry out God’s work without first being grounded in Him. Some seek worldly shortcuts, turning to charms, rituals, or other unholy practices to achieve spiritual results. Others approach ministry while still entangled in personal compromises—alcohol, quarrels, fornication, or other distractions. Some even come directly from their office jobs, exhausted, to serve in God’s work. While the desire to serve is commendable, the effectiveness of our service is directly linked to the place we come from spiritually.
When we attempt God’s work without first connecting with Him, our efforts may be well-intentioned but limited in impact. We can deliver messages, teach, or even lead people, yet the lives of those we serve may remain unchanged. True transformation begins in the secret place, not on the platform. It is only when God first reveals Himself to us that He can work through us to reveal Himself to others.
Think about it: how can we truly represent God to people if we have not spent time with Him ourselves? Just as an ambassador cannot speak for a country they know nothing about, we cannot impact lives for God if we know Him only superficially. The time spent in prayer, meditation on the Word, and communion with the Spirit is what equips us to serve effectively—and understanding the common hindrances to having an effective personal relationship with God can help us grow deeper in our walk with Him.
This is why prioritizing the secret place is non-negotiable. The public ministry—sermons, teachings, evangelism—can only be as effective as the private preparation that precedes it. Without this foundation, our service may appear active on the surface, but it will lack depth, power, and lasting influence. People may listen to us repeatedly without experiencing real change. But when we spend quality time in God’s presence, He equips us with wisdom, authority, and power to transform lives.
Therefore, whether you are stepping into leadership, teaching, or any form of ministry, remember this principle: always come from the presence of God. Position yourself in His Spirit before executing any assignment. Seek His guidance, receive His grace, and allow His Spirit to work through you. When your public service flows from a private intimacy with God, it becomes powerful, effective, and impactful.
In conclusion, the lesson from II Chronicles 1:13 is clear: the effectiveness of our work for God depends on the place we come from. Let the secret place—the intimate fellowship with God—be your starting point for every assignment. Making building an effective relationship with God a priority and guarding it diligently will ensure that your service in the public realm begins to bear eternal fruit.
If this message has spoken to you, here are some related teachings that will help you understand The Secret Place more deeply:
- Wrap Yourself in the Word: The Power of a Life Regulated by God’s Word.
- Build Your Personal Prayer and Bible Study Life Before Life’s Storms
- Does God Still Speak Today? 5 Powerful Ways God Speaks to Us
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