Day 20 — Bezalel the Builder

“See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.”

— Exodus 31:2–3 (BSB)

Have you ever heard of Bezalel? Most people haven’t. He wasn’t a king, a prophet or a warrior. He was a craftsman, a builder and an artist.

When God told Moses to build the tabernacle, the special tent where God would meet with His people, He needed someone to make it. It had to be beautiful: gold and silver, carved wood, precious stones and woven cloth. So God said: “See, I have called by name Bezalel… and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.”

Did you catch that? The very first person in the Bible described as being filled with the Spirit of God was a guy who was good with his hands!

That means God gives all kinds of gifts, and all of them matter. Some people are gifted at preaching or teaching. But God also gives gifts for building, fixing, designing, drawing, coding, cooking, music, sports, math, science, organizing, leading and caring for people. When you use those gifts for Him, it’s holy work.

What are you good at? What do you love to do?

• Do you love taking things apart and figuring out how they work?
• Are you always drawing, building, or making things?
• Are you great at math or science?
• Do people follow your lead?
• Are you good with little kids or animals?
• Do you notice when people are hurting?

Here’s how to discover your gifts:

• Notice what you love and what makes you feel alive.
• Notice what you’re good at, and what people often thank you for.
• Try lots of things. Take a class, join a team, volunteer, help at church.
• Ask God to show you your gifts.
• Practice. Bezalel didn’t become a master craftsman overnight.

Don’t compare your gifts to other guys’. God gave you exactly the gifts He wants you to have, for the work He has for you.

Think about it: What do you think your gifts might be? How could you use them for God?

Try this: Make a list in your journal of things you love to do and things you’re good at. Ask a parent or friend to add to it.

Dear God, thank You for Bezalel, and for the way You fill people with skill for Your work. Thank You for the gifts You’ve given me. Help me discover them, practice them and use them for You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.