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, NIV)
As a high school golf coach at a rather small high school, I have seen some very green players. In a practice stall alongside one of my accomplished players, they are also very intimidated.
At this point, I need to step in and bring a sense of possibility. “Do you want to know the difference between you and them?” I ask. “About a hundred thousand range balls.”
Of course, that’s a very large number. But at 100 balls a day (a typical large bucket), five days a week on average, you’d get there in about four years. So for a young athlete, there’s a real chance of going from green to great with a commitment to the work it takes to improve.
But don’t miss the key word there: athlete. There are a lot of golfers who aren’t so athletic, and though they may hit a whole lot of practice balls, they will only get so far. Into the 80s, maybe even an occasional round in the 70s, but probably not a consistent near-par effort. Still, millions of golfers have found joy in even that!
Following our calling normally begins with the skills and gifts God gives us. In the days of God’s instruction to Moses, when it came time to create and assemble the tabernacle and its many components, God called those who were gifted in the necessary skills—with Bezalel and Oholiab as leaders. Of the former we read God’s own description: “I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts—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 craftsmanship” (Exodus 31:3-5). But the master craftsman Bezalel was assisted by many others who had been given a measure of these skills as well.
What is important to notice, however, is that the call according to these God-given skills still had to be met by the willing response of the workers: “Moses summoned… every skilled person… who was willing to come and do the work.”
A calling is not a conscription. We may accept it or turn it down. Indeed, many people use their God-given abilities for God-less activity.
But when we are willing to do the work—and when we are willing to take the time to become increasingly knowledgeable and skilled in the work we have been given to do—how much more will we be able to take up our calling in joy. Even Jesus, though he knew from his times of extensive conversation with his Father that his calling included his sin-bearing death, “for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
We may not know all that God has in store for us when we answer his call, but we can trust that it will be tremendously rewarding. Why would we not want to pursue it with excellence?
—
Jeff Hopper
March 25, 2013
Copyright 2013 Links Players International
The Links Daily Devotional appears Monday-Friday at www.linksplayers.com.
OTHER DEVOTIONS IN THE CALLING SERIES
Calling, Part 1: Identity First
Calling, Part 2: Response and Readiness
Calling, Part 3: Is It God?
Calling, Part 4: Lacking a Caller
Calling, Part 5: Your Specific Destiny
Calling, Part 6: Sovereignty and Calling
Calling, Part 7: Looking Forward, Looking Back
Calling, Part 8: God’s Confirmation, Our Confidence
Calling, Part 9: Aliens and Ambassadors
Calling, Part 11: Balance in Our Calling