"Anointed Alliances" Pt. I

Exodus 31:2-3, 6 "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 skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts…Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you.”

There is no feeling on earth quite so remarkable, and perhaps so overwhelming, as the feeling of being chosen by God. Hand-selected before the world began to perform a particular task or mission, the chosen person’s trajectory is an unusual blend of both privilege and responsibility. While these individuals are divinely empowered to accomplish great exploits, they must also contend with the weight and demand of such a monumental calling. As Luke 12:48 says, “from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

The Bible is filled with examples of people who, although chosen, didn’t believe they actually had what it took to carry out the tasks God set before them. Moses complained of a speech impediment. Abraham was over the hill. Jeremiah was just a kid. And Mary had never had sex. How could God reasonably expect any of these people to begin, much less complete their divine assignments given these personal limitations?

Anointed Alliances.

Regardless of how many gifts and talents we personally possess, God’s kingdom is strategically set up so that no man can operate in absolute exclusivity. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12, we are one body with many parts, each designed to function in conjunction with the whole. The second we become prideful, self-centered, or self-sufficient our spiritual impact will inevitably diminish. In order to fulfill your purpose, it is crucial that you tap into the anointed alliances God has provided- starting with the Holy Spirit.

Jesus told the disciples that apart from Him, they could do nothing (John 15:5), and oh how true that is! As we can see from our text, it was the Spirit of God that empowered Bezalel to live up to His calling- equipping him with all kinds of skills, knowledge, and creative abilities to accomplish the divine calling on his life. Moreover, being “filled” with the Spirit also gave Bezalel access to God’s endless supply of wisdom, power, favor, and discernment- priceless treasures on his purpose-filled journey. By remaining connected to the Source, Bezalel exchanged his lack for the Lord’s bounty, and was therefore divinely positioned for ongoing success. Talk about nepotism!

God is not in the business of failure and false starts. He is all-knowing, and doesn’t assign purposes to people He knows do not have what it takes to achieve them. If God has chosen you to do something outside of your realm of ability, stay in the Word, hold on tight to the Holy Spirit, and stay tuned for next week’s WOW. To be continued…

Recommended Readings: Exodus 35:30-36:7, Isaiah 61, Romans 8

© Edwina Findley 2007 All Rights Reserved.

#24- "God of Hope"

Romans 15:13- “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

There are times in life where circumstances can seem so bleak, just the word “hope” is an inconceivable notion. Sure, it’s easy to have hope in a summer season, when abundance and prosperity reign, but what about in the cold, dreary winters when storms are raging and circumstances seem insurmountable? In seasons like these, many are left to wonder where God is and whether the terrible tide of life will ever really change.

All through the Bible are examples of men and women that faced obstacles so enormous, most of us would have immediately cowered under the pressure. Daniel encountered lions. Paul endured imprisonment. Jesus suffered crucifixion. Even our enslaved ancestors struggled against obstructions so gargantuan, it is a marvel that we are able to vote, read, work, and sit in the front of the bus today. In each situation, Satan endeavored to construct just enough mental and physical barriers to devastate the individual’s spirit, and thereby destroy their passion, perseverance, and purpose.

But the devil is a liar! This scripture is so refreshing because it shows us that God does not desire that we live in anxiety or agony, but in a constant, perpetual state of hope. Hope is defined as “a wish or desire accompanied by confident expectation of its fulfillment”. This confident expectation serves as our primary defense against depression, doubt, low self- esteem, and worry. God is the absolute embodiment of hope, and Romans 15:13 let’s us know that even in tumultuous circumstances, He wants to give us joy and peace- a feat that can only be accomplished through the power of the Holy Spirit.

If you have found yourself overcome with doubt and discouragement, please commit this scripture to memory! Remember that God is right beside you every moment of every day, loving you and encouraging you to keep on going despite the odds. Make a firm decision to forsake fear and live in hope- confidently expecting the Lord to work everything out for your good. And finally, allow the Holy Spirit to saturate your soul with so much joy that it could only have come from one eternal source- the God of Hope!

Recommended Readings—Psalm 42, Psalm 91, Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:25-34

© Edwina Findley 2007 All Rights Reserved.