sailing through exodus: gifts
In the beginning of 2022, I was under the distinct impression that nothing I had done in my life had been worthwhile. I believed that I was stupid - plain and simple - and that none of the things I was interested in - writing, art, music - would ever amount to anything. I had made no impact, and no money from them that I knew of, and I felt like a complete failure. At this time, I had just begun to seek the Lord in earnest, and when I read Exodus 31, He revealed the lies I’d been believing by telling me the truth.
Exodus 31:1-6 reads:
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!
“And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make...”
It seems like the most innocuous little piece of scripture. But if you believe as I do that “all Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16), you know that “the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (Hebrews 4:12).
When I read Exodus 31, I realized that the Lord was talking directly to me. He was telling me that I was not stupid because I was not successful by worldly standards. He was telling me that He Himself had given me my talents and gifts, and that He had plans for them. This is essentially what I heard: “I have specifically chosen [Karyn]. I have filled [her] with the Spirit of God [which she obtained upon her belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior], giving her great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. […] I have given special skill to [her], so [she] can make all the things I have commanded [her].”
And I’m not ashamed to say that I cried. He’d taken hold of the root of some of the lies I believed about myself and torn them out of my soul, and replaced them with His good vine. So my friend, if find yourself disappointed or frustrated with the way your life has gone, if your desires, skills, and talents seem to have been forgotten by the wayside, don’t lose hope, and don’t give up. Keep practicing, to hone those skills to be the best they can be. The Lord’s timing is always perfect, even if it’s not in our own timing, and He has good plans for you to use the gifts He has given you.
“The Lord will open the heavens, His abundant storehouse, to bless all the work of your hands.””
let's pray together.Lord God, thank You for shining light into the darkness. Thank You for being so kind, gentle, and patient in Your instruction. Forgive us for belittling the gifts You have given us, and for belittling ourselves; we who are made in Your holy image. Help us to understand and believe that You have good plans for us. Whatever we think of ourselves and the talents, desires, and gifts we have - help us to realize that You designed us with boundless love and utmost intention, and because all our gifts come from You, they destined for great purposes. Even if those great purposes seem small by worldly standards, we know that what You do through us will have lasting impact on eternity. We trust in Your perfect timing, even if it doesn’t align with our own timelines. We trust that You see the entire tapestry, not just the few threads we have the ability to see. We love you, Lord, and thank You for Your comfort, Your plans, and Your steadfast love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
