“See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with all knowledge and all craftsmanship, …And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you.” Exodus 31:2-3,6 ESV

Images – Thanks to Jeremy Park (copyright) on bible-scenes.com

Let’s talk about the word equip first. Equip means to provide all you need for a certain purpose or job. For example, when you go to school, you have to be equipped with pencils, notebooks, a backpack, and anything else you need to complete your schoolwork. If you play a sport, you need to be equipped with the right shoes, uniform, pads, and other equipment for that sport.

Our verses for today come from Exodus when Moses led God’s people out of slavery in Egypt. God gave Moses very specific instructions for building the tabernacle, a very large tent where the people could worship God and where God’s presence would be with His people.

God called Bezalel, Oholiab, and “all able men” to build the tabernacle. But first, God equipped them. He gave them His Spirit, ability, intelligence, knowledge, and craftsmanship so that they had the skills to build it. He gave them all they needed to get the job done.

God does the same for you and me. I felt like God wanted me to write. He didn’t speak to me in a voice I could hear, but He spoke to my heart and gave me the desire to write for children, for you! He also equipped me by guiding me to places to learn about writing and to learn more about Him and His Word. I started writing devotions online, two every week, one for you and one for your parents about the same Bible verses. That was over six years ago!

God might put you in a place or a situation where you can help someone, where you just feel like it is something God wants you to do. Has that ever happened to you? Maybe a new kid at school is eating alone and you feel sorry for him. You feel a nudge to go and sit and talk with him. God is calling you to show kindness to him and God will equip you by giving you the right words to say.

This week, talk with your parents. Ask them what they have been called to do, maybe their job, something they do at church, raising a family, or even a gift they have that they can use to help others. How did God equip them for His calling?

Think about what you do well, your gifts. How could they be used to help others, help God? If you like to draw, you could make someone a card. If you like to sing, you could cheer someone up with a song. If you tell funny jokes, you could make someone laugh. If you like to cook or bake, you could take someone food.

Sometimes when you hear God’s words in the Bible, you might be encouraged to help someone. As you talk with your parents, decide how God might be calling you. We are all called to love God and Jesus and to treat others with love. What are some ways you and your family can follow the calling to love others?

Remember, when God calls you, He will equip you! So be bold and follow God’s calling!

Blessings as you answer God’s call and courage as He equips you to help others!