Exodus 36:1  “Now Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the Lord has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with everything that the Lord has commanded.”

I came to the Lord for salvation when I was 16. Within a couple of weeks I realized that God was calling me to be a band director. I had been in band since 5th grade, but had no inclination to make that my profession. But God was really clear. So I made adjustments to my schedule, started tuba and piano lessons, and wrapped my mind around it.

It seems that for a long time around the church we only really used that kind of language for pastors and missionaries. They were called, of course. They were said to be called to ‘full time Christian ministry.’ But that makes us think that for everyone else, they’re just sort of on their own to discover what they will do with their lives.

Bezalel and Oholiab (two names you might never have heard!) were skilled artisans. They were makers of all sorts of jewelry, fine woodworking, textiles, etc. And God called them to full-time ministry! These men were called to head up the creation of the tabernacle. They probably never imagined (or maybe they did!) as they were learning their craft, that some day God would put their special abilities to work for His purposes!

We live in a big world and their are opportunities all around us. Whatever your skill set, God has a purpose and a way for you to incorporate it into a ministry. Whether you are a teacher, bank employee, government employee, driver, or retired, God has a use for you!

Paul would write to the Corinthians:

      Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

Agreeing to God’s plans for me to be a band director was the best thing I could have done. I realize that for a lot of people, they never feel a really specific direction. In their case God also directs, but perhaps through personal desires, skills, or opportunities. The bottom line is, God wants to use what you have, what you do, what you are, for His kingdom. Will you allow Him to do that?

Blessings,

Pastor Russ