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Exactly what you need

A devotion on God's promise to equip the called

A while back, I decided to challenge myself to read through the Bible chronologically. I got through the stories of creation, Noah, Joseph and Moses. Those stories always captivate and amaze me the same way they did when I was a little girl, learning them from a flannel graph board in Sunday school. 

But after Moses and the Israelites leave Egypt, they start wandering in the desert and receive all the laws God sets out for them to start a new life on their way to the Promised Land. All of a sudden, it didn’t feel quite as exciting to read about how long the tabernacle curtain should be or the specific recipe for the temple incense. 

It seemed overwhelming to think about how much work it would take to accomplish all of the specific tasks the Lord had set for the Israelites. I imagine Moses writing the words of God and thinking to himself, “OK Lord, but how are we actually going to do this? Where will we get all the building materials, and who is going to do the work?” 

Then I read Exodus 31:1-6:

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you.’”

As he always does, the Lord had a plan and a specific person in mind for that plan. He put Bazalel and Oholiab in the right place at the right time to do the holy work of building the sacred place where God’s people would worship, sacrifice and be restored to him. 

And did you catch that last part of the verses? “I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you.” God not only chose the workers, but he gave them what they would need to do the work.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have often thought, “OK Lord, but how will we accomplish what you have set forth for us?” And then I remember, I have the skills and knowledge to do what the Lord has asked of me. He gives us what we need and will continue to provide so we can continue the work we’ve been called to do. 

So when the work feels too big or the challenge seems overwhelming, remember when you are walking in a calling from the Lord, he will give you exactly what you need.

Written by Bekah Coggins, director of transitional services at Buckner Children and Family Services in Lubbock and Amarillo. 

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