Wednesday, May 18 – Exodus 35:30-35

Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all craftsmanship; to create designs for working in gold, in silver, and in bronze, and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work. He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to perform every work of an engraver, of a designer, and of an embroiderer, in violet, purple, and in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of designs.

If you have grown up in the church, you’ve probably heard a talk or testimony from an international missionary. Their stories are often compelling because they are marked by faith, adventure, and God’s hand. If we are not careful, we forget that God is working in our lives just as He is working in others. While we know from Scripture that God has gifted some people in a special way to teach His Word and spread the gospel, we cannot forget that He is at work in our lives regardless of our vocational position.

When we read this passage, we see that God calls some to be craftsmen or teachers and He gifts others to be designers or embroiderers. These may seem like ordinary jobs but in the kingdom of God, all jobs are extraordinary when used for His glory. God has given you skills, coworkers, and clients for a reason. He has given you more than just a job to complete but a purpose to fulfill. Be encouraged today that the God who created the universe crafted you in an extraordinary, purpose-filled way. He knows your name, He knows your story, and He wants you to use what you have for His glory. God has done more than redeem your life for heaven. He also wants to redeem your work (and all of your life) for His purpose no matter what you do.

• Where do you see God at work in your vocation?
• Have you ever felt like your job was pointless? How does this passage encourage you?
• Pray and ask God to show you how He is at work in all you do.