Do The Work

     I love crafting! I'm not an artist by any means, but I enjoy playing with paints, papers, photos, colors, and all things that include ribbons and stickers! So this morning as I was reading about the assembling of artistic elements of the tabernacle, it intrigued me as to where the craftsmen got their abilities. 

    It says in Exodus 36:1 (NIV), "So Bezalel, Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD has given skill and ability to know how to carry out all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded." It doesn't say, "To all who got a degree in art," but rather, "to whom the LORD has given skill and ability," those people will carry out His work. 

    So now when people tell you, "If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it" (Robert C. Crowder), you know there's more to that catch phrase than meets the eye. But notice the word "work" in that scripture and the one that follows, "Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work" (Exodus 36:2). 

    I got the impression in the above verse that others may have been given skills by God, but they were not, "willing to come and do the work." Isn't that the catch-22 in this scenario, and in life in general, many of us have been given skills and abilities by God, but we either won't accept them (willing to come) or we accept God's offerings, but we can't muster the tenacity for the work that needs to be done. A gift given has to first be accepted, then opened, to be of any use. 

    The Bible is clear on the matter of God giving each believer in His Son, Jesus Christ, gifts. Some of them are as follows in Romans 12:6-8:

We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

    If you aren't clear on what gifts God has given you, pray and ask Him about your skills and abilities and then when He answers, be "willing to come and do the work." 

    

2 Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work.