"More than Enough..."

I was inspired from my morning reading this morning. In finishing Exodus, chapter 35:20-35, and then into verses of the next chapter, there is such encouragement!

Moses had received the instructions for the tabernacle - that mobile meeting place for the Lord to dwell with his people. Moses gave the instructions and the commandments of the Lord, and then the people departed from him.

Then verse 21 says, "And they came..." All whose hearts were stirred and willing. Five times the Lord records the people were stirred into action. The Lord then gave them the wisdom to perform the work they were called to, but first, they presented themselves willing with a stirred heart.

This principle has played out in my and my husband's life. There is a verse in the New Testament that has encouraged us all through out this journey to the mission field

II Corinthians 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

Do I truly feels able, capable, fully equipped to do the work of the Ministry of Reconciliation of fallen man to a holy and righteous God? Should I? Do I even understand what that means to the fullest? I dare say the moment I have ever thought "I get it" my next thought is "But what about this?"... which will be something I definitely don't get! The verse in Romans comes to mind..."O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!"

The beauty is - and the reason I so loved my reading this morning - If I feel stirred in my heart and willing in my spirit to do the work of the Lord, I shouldn't let my fear of feeling inadequate or unprepared stop me. Clearly the Lord has an order, if first there be a willing mind. In the verses in Exodus, the people were first stirred in their hearts, and then they were compelled into action, and then, according to ch 36:1-2 the Lord gave them the wisdom to accomplish the task that was before them.

Exodus 36:1-2 Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded. Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it:

There is so much before us, that to prepare for everything is truly a seeming impossible task. One thing that I think about when I imagine doing great things for God is when my hubby and I were starting our family. Every young couple has heard others say they want to wait until they are ready- financially, emotionally, situationally- to have children. We all know if they wait, they will never have kids! Truly who can be totally prepared?? Well the same thing applies to our venturing out to beget spiritual children! Just jump in and let the Lord take whatever meager elements we bring to the table, and let him do great and mighty things which surely we know not!

The miracle in Exodus culminates in 36:5, "...the people bring Much More Than Enough..." Oh that THAT would be said of me! May I bring more than enough to the Lord!!!

Matthew 9:37-38 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.

Pray for people who are willing to be used! Better yet, stir your heart and make willing your spirit, and be amazed at what the Lord will do through you!

Expect Great things from God. Attempt Great things for God.

William Carey