I have been reading through the Bible along with my church. I am trying to be very intentional as I read, soaking in as much as my brain and spirit can, asking for the Lord to give me wisdom (far above my capabilities) to understand his word and apply it to my life. Reading the OT can sometimes be hard, it has so much in it, lots of names, descriptions and so on, but I want to get it!

Anyway, as I was reading through Genesis and Exodus I find myself to be in awe once again at the Sovereignty of God and his holiness. The thing I see throughout my reading is this, who you are and what you do is his idea! We want to take credit for our abilities as though we gave them to ourselves. Some have gone to school many years to get their Master degrees, PhD’s., Medical License and so on. We take great pride in our abilities to do what we do. We worked hard after all! Here is the thing, any ability, talent, drive to do in a certain area, artistic ability, a privilege you may enjoy all comes from God, it was his idea to gift you in a particular area, move you, place you, help you, guide you.

When he was writing your life so to speak, he already knew who you would be and when he would raise you up to where ever you are. You cannot take credit for your good fortune, your job, your abilities, nothing…it is all God.
In Exodus 25-40 we get a description and the instructions given to Moses for the building of the tabernacle, Ark of the Covenant, priestly garments, altar and so forth. These are very detailed in their preciseness. They not only speak of the Holiness of God, but just how he decides those he will gift for a certain task, and names them. Here is one of the many instances I took note of.

Exodus 31:1-6 “Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts–4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also, I have given skill to all craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you.”

God decided who he would gift with the talents they needed to do the work he wanted to be done. He gifted them and gave them all the ability they needed to carry out the precise instructions of building and fashioning all that was going to go into the tabernacle inside and out.
We can also go into the NT and see where God chose various ones and gifted them according to his purpose. So many today want to think they are driving their own bus down the road, going and doing, being and learning just because they chose to do it. If you have a desire to be a homemaker, a lawyer, a doctor, a pastor…keep going the list goes on and on, then it was God’s idea to put you where you are doing what you are doing.

Now knowing that GIVE HIM PRAISE! The God who knit you together and allows you to be born as already given you all that you need to fulfill your purpose on this earth. Even if you are not saved, you are still doing exactly what God designed for you. Some are given more smarts, more talents, and abilities than others, but that does not mean they are more special to God. Whatever He has called you to from holding a baby, praying for others, working in government, manual labor, computers work, again the list can go on and on, do it to the best of your ability as unto the Lord. ( Colossians 3:17 “And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father by him.” Nothing you do is wasted time, it is all in His time. Seek him and he will show you the path of life,’ your life’ and as you walk it out he will guide you all the way. And for parents, He has your children and He has a plan, you can trust him to complete it!