Exodus 31:1-11
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you: 7 the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent- 8 the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, 9 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand- 10 and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.”
Psalm 37:4
Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Everyone, meet slum officer Major Ella Cates.
Born in Liverpool in 1899 to Salvationist parents, her father a shoemaker and her mother a home league secretary, Major Ella Cates served the Army in the slums of Bath and London for more than 30 years. A product of the 1927 Invincible Session (such a sweet name), she is said to have lived up to that name. She spent a lot of time in the Army’s Goodwill Post in Bath where people came for the clinic, food, clothing, or even help in filling out basic paperwork. She was also called upon to visit the sick and dying or clean someone’s home. She also had the regular Corps programs on top of that. So Invincible was Major Cates that she even served during WWII when Bristols and Bath were being bombed. She and her staff would man the canteen, find lodging for those that needed it, and gave out blankets.
The best part about Major Cates was that she knew her God, and because she knew her God, she trusted Him. She once wrote: “I know from my own experience that if God calls us for anything he fits us for it. Often I felt I could not do it, it was too great a responsibility, but how God has helped and led me, and I would not change places with anyone. I think we have the best job in the world as a slum officer, the joy that has come to me in my work cannot be described.”
Exodus 31 is great proof of how God chooses us for certain tasks, and that He also gives us everything we need in order to do them (v. 2-3), as was the testimony of Major Cates. The problem is that sometimes we don’t take God at His Word. He may call, but we may not answer. We let our fear of what could happen get in the way of undivided obedience to His will. We need to have a change of thinking. We need to stop thinking like the world, and believe like children of God (Romans 12:1-2). We need to trust in His faithfulness, knowing that to whatever task He calls us, He will see us through until the end. And when we follow God and take Him at His Word, we are filled with joy that only God can give (Psalm 37:4).
God has a call on your life. What is He calling you to?
Are you putting yourself in a position where you can hear Him speaking to you (away from distraction, focusing on Him only. Delight yourself in Him, then He will give you the desires of your heart)?
If you are unsure about what God is saying, talk to a leader in your Corps. Ask for godly advice.
Create a plan of action.
Live it out. Continue to ask God to show you how (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Compiled and edited from The International Heritage Centre Website.