Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the Lord had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. Exodus 36:2
There are many talented people with ability but it’s not enough. The truly skilful ones are those who have honed their talent over time. They’re the ones who have spent hours learning, studying and training. The successful ones are those who are willing to do the work to achieve in their chosen sphere.
When Moses was looking for workers he wanted two qualities—God-given skill and willingness to do the work.
Sometimes we think that if our ability is God-given we don’t need to practise. Yet this is not so. Even if our gift is healing, evangelism or intercession, we can always learn from our spiritual elders and mentors by reading books and listening to others who are more mature in faith. God always has more to teach us if we’re open to growing in our gifting.
Unfortunately, there are those who aren’t willing to do the work. They are invited to take part in an event but they come without having done the necessary preparation and expect God to make up for their lack. Maybe they remember occasions when God did use them or others when they were inexperienced or young in the faith. But this isn’t an excuse to remain immature. Likewise, they may have seen God work through situations in a spontaneous fashion but again this isn’t a reason for neglecting to prepare.
If we want God to use our skills on an ongoing basis are we willing to do the work and be like Bezalel and Oholiab?
