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.
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3 comments:
Edwina, Edwina, Edwina your words of wisdom are so encouraging! I look forward to receiving your emails because I know that God has given you something that will empower His children to keep pressing on no matter what! This message on “Anointed Alliances” was no different…it hit home for me. It seems that God is always pushing me beyond my “self imposed” limitations, impressing upon me to do things that I don’t necessarily qualify to do, but He constantly leads me into triumphal procession! Your WOW always causes me to stop and reflect on the promises of God’s word and what He’s doing in and through me instead of what’s going on around me. Continue to be a Vessel that God uses to remind his children of how much He truly loves us! Thank you and I look forward to “Anointed Alliances” part 2!
Tige Charity
The kingdom of God truly is set up so that no man can operate in absolute exclusivity. Oh how that hit me, sister. I am eagerly awaiting Anointed Alliances #2. I pray that you elaborate on this - a very poignant issue for believers.
-- Tiffani Knowles
www.newdmagazine.com
Edwina, your ministry is growing powerfully as you move into blogging. Thank you for providing a feedback opportunity to your many readers. God has called me to do things that required great courage, but He gave me the courage. Your WOW always inspires me. Thank you for all that you do.
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