Every Skill Is a Gift from God

Bible Reading: Exodus 31:1–10

 

As I read Exodus 31, I was struck by an important fact. The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt, making bricks and doing hard manual labour. They had not been trained in the specialized arts needed to construct the tabernacle. Yet, only a few months after leaving Egypt, God called Bezalel for the construction of the Tabernacle.  

 

God said: "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship” (Exodus 31:3).  God then described the skills Bezalel would need—working with gold, silver, bronze, cutting stones, carving wood, and every manner of workmanship.

 

This is amazing. God equipped Bezalel with the wisdom and skill necessary to accomplish the task. What seemed beyond the natural ability of an Israelite who had just come out of slavery was made possible because God Himself equipped him.

 

There is an important lesson here for every one of us. 

 

We often think of our abilities as our talents. We say, we are good at writing, teaching, organizing, or singing. But have we ever stopped think how we got those abilities?  The Bible reminds us that all that we have, have been given to us by God (1 Corinthians 4:7).  Our ability to study, think, write, speak, teach, create, organize, lead, build, encourage, or serve is ultimately a gift from God. Some abilities may have been developed through education and experience, but our capacity to learn, reason, and develop those skills comes only from God.

 

The question, therefore, is not simply, ‘What am I good at?’ The better question is, ‘How can I use what God has given me for His glory?’

 

Bezalel's skills were not given for personal fame. They were given for the construction of the tabernacle—the place where God's presence would dwell among His people. Our abilities also have a purpose beyond ourselves. God gives us gifts so that we may serve Him, bless others, strengthen His people, and point people toward Him.

 

Perhaps you have considered your writing, teaching, cooking, organizing, business ability, technical knowledge, music, or craftsmanship as ordinary. But in God's plan, every skill or ability that has been given to us has a divine purpose.  

 

My friend, what has God placed in your hands? Do not bury it, boast about it, or use it merely for yourself. Recognize it as a gift from God, develop it faithfully, and offer it back to Him. Whatever your ability, use it wholeheartedly for God's glory and for the blessing of His people. 

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I dedicate all that I am to You today.  Use me for Your glory and the benefit of Your people. Amen. 

 

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