Anna Moore

Have you ever considered why you do what you do? Ever wondered why you are interested in the things you’re interested in, or why you enjoy what you enjoy?

God created each of us differently. We all look a little different. We all have different quirks and personalities. But, we also have different abilities and interests.

I think I was 13 or 14 when I first realized I really enjoy writing. I don’t think I’m the best at it, by a long-shot, but it’s something I really get enjoyment out of and do a decent job at. When I got to high school, I tried my hand at writing true stories for the school newspaper and found that journalism could be my niche. Things happened from there (i.e. college) and I now have years of journalistic experience under my belt.

While I still enjoy doing what I do, some days I can’t help but wonder why? Like, “Lord, why couldn’t I have been interested in science so I could be an epidemiologist and help out with this pandemic?” …OK, so I’ve never actually asked that, but I’ve asked similar things before. Why writing? Why design and social media? Why news?

I’m still learning there’s a purpose for it.

At the end of Exodus 35, just before the Israelites start building the Tabernacle where God will dwell with them, Moses tells the people the tasks that need to be done and the work certain men will do.

“³⁰ Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; ³¹ and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, ³² to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, ³³ in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. ³⁴ And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. ³⁵ He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled designer.” (ESV)

It’s not a name you hear about much, but God selected Bezalel and equipped him with all that he needed to fulfill God’s purposes for the Tabernacle. Hear me out first. This ONE guy did not do ALL the work, but he certainly played a big part. Bezalel is the initial one who would do the design and handiwork for the Tabernacle and teach others skills so he would have help, and so others could use those abilities for other things as well. This tells me there wasn’t anyone else among the Israelites who could already do those things, so God chose Bezalel as one of the men for the job(s).

Contrary to what the world tells us, we do not create our own talents or skills. I love it when an actress or actor thanks God when they win an Academy Award or something of that nature because they – at least to some degree – recognize they did not get there on their own doing. Sure, they worked hard, but God gave them their talent, their ability to get into character, their use of their brain to remember their lines, etc. In the same way, I didn’t just pick up writing one day from my own abilities, and I didn’t even realize I enjoyed it until that certain point when I was in middle school. I thank God that I even recognized it because not everyone goes to college already knowing what they desire to do as a career.

God equips us with the skills, intelligence, knowledge and craftsmanship He has in mind for us for His purposes. He wants writers, designers, editors, epidemiologists, scientists, teachers, plumbers, carpenters, stay-at-home moms/dads, welders, linemen, electricians, nurses, doctors, engineers, etc. etc. All of these jobs and so many more help organize the world so it can keep moving forward in God’s providence. Maybe your interest in putting Legos together as a kid led you to become an architect or engineer. God equipped you for that. God gave you that interest in building things or solving problems or working with your hands. That’s just one of the many things that make you unique.

Reading this chapter in Exodus the other day was so encouraging for me because some days I literally have to ask God “what is my purpose in this?” But, seeing and understanding a little more how it’s God who gives us the abilities and knowledge we have, I can take comfort in that. That’s not to say I should stop working, but rather I should continue doing the work He has placed in front of me knowing that it DOES have purpose and meaning. Even if I don’t understand right now why I’m in the industry I’m in or why I write this blog or why I do the things I do that uses the skillset and talents He has given me, I can take heart knowing that these are qualities He gave me, and therefore they will fulfill His purposes – however big or small they may seem in my eyes.

Bezalel had an important job. He didn’t just put engravings on the Tabernacle, but He did work that God gave Him. Without his abilities, the Tabernacle would not have been what God had envisioned. It wouldn’t have been complete without the Bezalel touch. God also equipped a man named Oholiab and “every craftsman in whose mind the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work” (Exodus 36:2). They made a table, lamp stand, altar, basin, garments for the priests, etc. and all with fine detail — meaning they did a job well done.

The text says, “He has filled them with skill…” In other words, God, through the Holy Spirt (Exodus 35:31), literally filled them and gave them the exact amount of intelligence and skill that they need to do these things. Maybe they didn’t have an interest in those things before the Tabernacle (or maybe they did), but whatever the case, God’s will was done. We know that God was pleased with the work, because in chapter 40, God fills the tabernacle with His glory.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Colossians 3:23-24

Whatever trade, industry or business you are in; whatever you are good at; whatever talents and skills you have, praise the LORD for giving them to you and equipping you with the abilities and knowledge to do them. You didn’t get there on your own, though your own efforts through education and training helped, but it was God’s purpose for you to do what you do. If you’re not exactly where you want to be in your career, or if you don’t have the certain abilities you desire, don’t be discouraged. He hasn’t equipped you for that yet, if that is His will for you. Pray about it. Ask God to equip you with what you need to fulfill His purposes for you, but more than anything, praise Him for giving you what you have.

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