1 Chronicles 17:25 — “For You, O my God, have revealed to Your servant that You will build for him a house; therefore Your servant has found courage to pray before You.”

“Daddy, can I help?”

Many young children have uttered these words. What good father has ignored a child who desired to contribute?

I have fond memories of our family doing yardwork. Ten acres and numerous animals create a lot of jobs, and as a family we spent many evenings working together. Mowing grass, hauling buckets of water and toting hay kept us busy and strong. We gave appropriate chores to the children, and even the youngest wanted to get be involved.

Often the smallest would ask, “Daddy, can I help?” He would comply by scooping them into the wheelbarrow or placing a pudgy hand on the handle of a bucket so they could “help” carry it. Of course, these jobs were too big for a small child, but by walking with their father they felt like they were contributing, though he was the one who carried the weight.

David, the King of Israel, desired to build a house for God’s glory. He wanted to make the Lord’s fame known in Israel. But a prophet reported God’s message to the king: David’s son, Solomon, would be the one to build the temple.

Not to be deterred, David decided to do everything he could to be part of this grand undertaking. He wanted his “hand on the bucket,” so he spent years preparing for the temple’s construction. David prepared much of what Solomon would need by gathering supplies and workers.

He did what he could and God blessed him. Instead of building the house for God, God did what David couldn’t do and built a royal house for David. Many years later the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, was born through David’s descendants.

Through the years, many Christians have wanted to be part of God’s kingdom work. They see the great things God is doing and want to participate.

But realizing their weakness all they can do is cry, “Daddy, can I help?”

Our gracious Father hears these pleas and answers. He tenderly allows us to contribute to what He is doing as we surrender ourselves to Him, obey His commands, and wait patiently in faith. In this way even the smallest of God’s children are able to participate in His work.

There is still much kingdom work to be done. Even if you feel small and weak, ask what you can do, and place your “hand on the bucket.”

Let your Heavenly Father do the heavy lifting. And you will smile when you see what great things God accomplishes.

Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com