Handiwork and Skills

Exodus 3:6-10
…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…

Eight of my college friends and I made a trip to Paducah, Kentucky. We rented an AirBnB so we could spend time together and catch up on our lives. We had a wonderful time reminiscing and sharing. 

On our first full day together, we visited a place I’d wanted to go to for over twenty years. We spent the morning at the National Quilt Museum. They displayed modern art quilts, including a section for miniatures. I had quilted several years ago, and I knew how much work went into each one. 

My favorite artist, Janet Stone, sewed a beautiful series of twenty-six quilts focused on the alphabet and featuring sheep. Her work was impeccable. Every stitch was evenly placed, and her designs pleased the senses. Several of her quilts had won prizes due to her amazing skills. 

The display of beautiful work reminded me of the verses in Exodus 3. I remember when I read that verse a few years ago, it gave me pause. I’ve been a creative person all my life and am part of a creative family. Those verses encouraged me and reminded me how God made each person with unique skills and how important it is to use my talents and skills to bring glory to Him. 

Whether an artist, carpenter, spreadsheet master, organizer, or however God created you, He wants us to use our gifts for Him. 

How can you use the abilities God gave you for his glory?

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Ephesians 2:10