Dear Lord; Good afternoon Father!
First off Lord, I want to thank You once again for bringing Your Healing Presence to Jonathan. So far today he’s been doing well, with no immediate symptoms to note. Please continue to keep him in Your Embrace, and watch over him.
Yesterday Father, while Jonathan and I were waiting for the doctor to see him I had a chance to finish my reading of the book of Exodus. I know the story well, but this time one particular passage very much spoke to me and I’d like to share my thoughts on it today if I may. The verses I’m describing come from Exodus 31:1-11:
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “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 wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills— to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand— and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.””
Now Lord, in the overall story of Exodus this may not seem like an overly vital or interesting passage, but two fragments just jumped off the page for me and got me thinking:
“…I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills…”
“Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you…”
During many stressful times in my life Lord, I’ve had people tell me that “God doesn’t give us any more than we can handle.” These verses actually put that statement in perspective for me quite nicely.
While speaking to Moses on the Holy Mountain, You gave him the designs for a number of staggeringly complex and detailed constructions to complete. The specifications were exacting, and the project required significant craftsmanship, ability and skill for all those involved. You knew this of course, and therefore gave them the resources and skills they needed to complete the tasks You set for them.
You didn’t give them more than they could handle.
I think sometimes Father, we miss this very important point. If You give us a task to perform, You always make sure we have the tools, skills and resources we need to get it done. We still may struggle and have to put forth a lot of effort, but in the end You never leave us without what we need if it’s truly Your Will.
What a reassuring thought that is Lord. 🙂
Heavenly Father, thank You for bringing me these essential life-lessons through Your Word. I pray that in times of trial I remember that You are indeed by my side, and that You truly never give us more than we can handle. Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
I had the same thoughts while reading that passage in Exodus. God gave them instructions, then provided the workers necessary to complete the task. We don’t have to worry about how, we just need to say yes.
Absolutely Lisa. We just need to be sure that what we’re doing is truly God’s Will, and He’ll provide us what we need to accomplish it.
Have a Blessed Day!
What a reassuring thought: “gave them the resources and skills they needed to complete the tasks You set for them.” I will cling to that promise! great insight
I’m focusing on it as well Jean! Thank you!
Have a Blessed Day!
I love this. When things happen in our life, we don’t have to stress because if God brought us to it, He will bring us through it. He never gives us something we can not handle, with Him. Thank you for this reminder Phil. So glad Jonathan is doing well. I will continue to lift him in prayer.
Thank you Jenifer. Sometimes it may seem like things we’re called to do are insurmountable tasks, but God is ever-faithful; If He calls us to do it, He’ll provide us with the means to.
Thank you so much for the prayers as well… No immediate signs of any problems as of today. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
This is so great! Awesome post today Phil! So glad Jonathan seems better today. I do love Exodus dont you! I have turned into an OT girl. Yes, I agree God does sometimes allow more than WE can handle. But HE always provides a way out or the strength to endure. We have to remember that the power that raised Jesus from the grave on the third day is the SAME power available to US! Praise the Lord! Thinking about yall and praying…
Thank you Kelli. Yes, Exodus is one of my favorite books as well and I think has an amazing amount to teach us.
Thank you so much for the thoughts and prayers. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
For me, Phil, it’s not always about getting the task done, but rather knowing what the task is! I’ve struggled, as of late, with knowing what to do with my “next.” In many ways, it’s been a burden to my already weary heart. I want to press on and “make something” of myself, but honestly, I’m having a bit a trouble figuring it all out.
For the record, it’s always been this way for me. I’d much rather God hit me with a 2 x 4 than have to struggle through (what my dad calls) the 51-49% principle. 51% tells you to go this way; 49% the other way. Give me the 2 x 4 any day!
peace~elaine
That’s been at the heart of many of my struggles as well Elaine. Finding the correct path to take can be MUCH harder than following it.
Have a Blessed Day!
I’m thankful I have Him to turn to, even when it seems like I can’t handle it…because, in Him, I can handle anything!
Amen Allison. Drawing on His strength is an amazingly powerful ally!
Have a Blessed Day!
When things become more then I can handle I am so reminded of Matthew 11:28 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.
I love that one as well Desiray. Thank you for reminding me of it.
Have a Blessed Day!
Great reminder. I think the key is that when challenges arise we need to remember to tap into Him instead spinning our wheels by ourselves. I think it sometimes feels like more than we can handle because we forget to lean on Him for everything we need. Thanks!
I agree completely Eileen. We all try to take things on of our own accord, when we should be seeking His Guidance and assistance first. Great reminder!
Have a Blessed Day!
I love that fact that He equips us with the resources that we need… you put it so succinctly in this post. Thank you!
Thank you Alida! Those verses just made a very distinct point to me. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!