Wonderful Exodus 31!

I am so grateful for Exodus 31:1-11. After reading chapters 25 through 30 where God describes all the things that needed to be done in order to complete the Tabernacle, I was wondering if Moses was feeling a little overwhelmed. I know I was after reading the descriptions of every article that was supposed to go into the tabernacle. Make the ark of the Covenant this way, and cut the curtains the other way, face the tent this way, and make the priestly garments this other way. Phew! It was a lot!  But this morning I read Exodus 31, wonderful chapter 31, where God tells Moses that he was not to do all that work alone. In fact, God was equipping especially chosen people to do everything with skill and wisdom. Bezalel was chosen to make all kinds of artistic designs with gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, and Oholiab was chosen to help him. Moreover, God was giving all the skilled workers involved in the work of the temple, the ability to do well everything God had commanded.

What an amazing promise. God didn’t tell Moses to do all that work and then let him figure out how to do it. It was God’s special work and He was going to make sure everyone had everything needed to go a great job, thus glorifying God in every little detail.

How wonderful to know that when God asks us to do something, He will give us all we need to complete our assignment with success.  A few months prior He had given Moses the task of freeing the Israelites from Egypt, but sent Aaron to help him. Even Moses’ father-in-law Jethro was used to give great counsel to make Moses’ work lighter. Now God was sending all kinds of skilled workers to complete the temple just as God had instructed.

It’s amazing to notice how true this is in my own life. God has been there for me and given me everything I needed for the tasks He has asked me to do. When He asked me to move to a different country far away from my family, He provided all the resources and people to help me through that time. As He has called me to be a parent and a wife,  in spite of my many shortcomings, it’s comforting to know that He is helping me daily to be there for my family. And as I hear Him asking me to embark on a new adventure with Him, I know I will never be alone and will be thoroughly equipped for the job at hand. I don’t have to fear!

God may be calling you to a special work. It can be to go somewhere as a missionary, or to become a parent either through birth, adoption, or foster care. He may be calling you to go back to school or change your careers. Perhaps He is asking you to do a special work at your church, neighborhood, or your community. Whatever He is asking you to do for Him, whether big or small, know that God will give you absolutely everything you need and send all the help you need to do a great work for Him. You have nothing to fear!

“Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.”
Psalm 144:1

“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”
Philippians 1:6

Hot Air Balloon Ride

It was one of those very busy mornings trying to rush out of the door, so I could get on time to where I needed to be. Already somewhat stressed, I got in the car and joined the many others who seemed to be going to the same place at the same time as me. The traffic was insane! It took several turns just to get through one traffic light. It’s very difficult to wait patiently when one’s in a hurry! I looked at the sea of cars in front of me, on the opposite lane, and to the rest of the city in the distance. There were cars everywhere. Hundreds, thousands maybe! So many people on the road at that same time of the morning busy starting their day, some going to work, others going to school, and yet others probably heading back home after working all night. I should’ve picked a different time to have to leave the house! Rush hour is almost always stressful.
As I contemplated the scene in front of me, my eyes were suddenly directed upwards. Way up, above the morning madness, a couple of hot air balloons gently rode the beautiful blue sky. Completely unaffected by the traffic around me, they slowly moved through the air. I thought how quiet it must have been to rise above the morning chaos and quietly enjoy the amazing mountain views and watch the sunrise from above. As I watched the contrast between life on the ground and life in the air, the words of a song came to my mind:

"There is a quiet place,

 Far from the rapid pace
Where God can soothe my troubled mind.
Sheltered by tree and flow’r,
There in my quiet hour
With Him my cares are left behind.
Whether a garden small,
Or on a mountain tall,
New strength and courage there I find;
Then from this quiet place
I go prepared to face a new day
With love for all mankind.”

A quiet place… I couldn’t help but take a deep breath and start talking with God. In the middle of the rapid pace, I can always find rest in my Savior. All of a sudden I could feel the stress melting away and I enjoyed the time alone inside my car to speak and listen to my best Friend. It was as if I had gone on my personal hot air balloon ride, and quietly enjoyed the rest of my commute looking at the beautiful mountains, the glorious sunrise, and the hot balloons gently riding the high air. I too became unaffected by the morning chaos.

Our world is getting crazier and crazier. People are so busy with so many things, it’s mad chaos every day, every time. We are constantly on the go! God knew beforehand that we would be easily tempted to join the mad rush and live life on the fast lane. He also knew that doing so would be detrimental to our lives in many different ways. That’s why the Bible is filled with counsel for us to go to Him and rest in Him. To stop running and simply be still. To be so quiet that we can see the work of God around us, which gets easily missed when we are so busy.

I encourage you to get on that personal “hot air balloon” with God and go for a ride. Enjoy the cool breeze on your face and the quietness of the moment away from it all. Get refreshed and recharged. Seek His wisdom and counsel for your life. Simply enjoy the company of One who is filled with love for you and can gently change your life for the better. You can do this at any time. It’s nice to begin the day with Him, but we can always go to Him for rest…even during morning rush hour in the big city.
 

"Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

Mark 6:31

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

 Matthew 11:28

Praying for a stranger

The conversation was small at first. We talked about the weather, what we did for a living, and life in the big city. We had met by chance and I thought shortly I would be on my way continuing with my errands. I was wrong. Before I knew it, he was telling me his life story and what was in his heart. He was in pain and he talked freely. With tears rolling down his face he shared with me, a stranger to him, the emotional suffering he had been going through for the past year. I listened attentively wondering what could I do to help. I asked questions and we talked for longer than we both probably expected at first. I finally asked him what his thoughts on God were. With so much stress in his life, this gentleman was in desperate need of Christ. I think my question caught him by surprise. Stuttering his words, he just said he didn’t go to church. I told Him I believed God could help the pain in his heart and that I would be praying for him. We continued talking and after a while we decided it was time to part ways. Of everything we said during our conversation, he made sure to thank me for praying for him.

I left wondering if I would ever meet that man again. Unlikely. This city is so big, with so many people. The chances of both being in the same place at the same time again were slim, but I decided to pray for him. I couldn’t even remember his name, but God and I talked about him often. I asked God to give that man strength, comfort, and the amazing peace that changes everything. I didn’t know if I would ever see the results of my prayers, but it wasn’t about me anyway. One of God’s kids was in pain and needed Him desperately.

I must shout to the world that my God is an amazing God! In His wisdom and love, He allowed me to get a glimpse of His work in this man’s life. Unexpectedly I saw him again. He recognized me and gave me the biggest smile I have ever seen! The conversation was short, but enough for me to see God at work. There was joy in the man’s face. He was happier and at peace. The outlook on life wasn’t as gloomy as when we had previously met. He said he had decided to be more positive and take one day at a time. We ended the conversation with him saying, “I feel great!”

The joy in my heart was so big I think I had a smile on my face the rest of the day. I was so happy for my new friend. What amazed me even more, and this happens so often, is that his life hadn’t changed much. In fact he still had all the same problems he’s been having, but his attitude and outlook in life had changed. Instead of feeling helpless and discouraged, he felt strong and had a clear mind to make the important decisions he needed to make. He had hope!

I thanked God for His amazing work in this person’s life and for the blessing of seeing the transformation. How incredible! I may not see this gentleman again, but I know God is taking care of him. Oh the power of prayer. What an amazing tool of courage and strength God has graciously given to us. It solves everything. Even if it doesn't change our circumstances, it always changes our hearts and that's what truly matters.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted  

and saves the crushed in spirit." 

Psalm 34:18

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'"

Matthew 11:28