Well, how useless do you think Bezalel must have felt? You don't know who Bezalel was? He was an artist during the time of the wilderness wandering (Exodus 31). Well, how much use do you think there was for an artist during a time when the people were living in tents and always on the move? A hunter, a soldier, a cook, a shepherd ... these would have been much needed occupations. But an artist? Who would have needed an artist?

Then the LORD said to Moses, "See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills — to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts." (Exodus 31:1-5 TNIV)

Who would have needed an artist in the rugged and brutal times of the wilderness? The answer to that question is "the LORD." You see, the LORD had need of someone to make the Ark of the Covenant, the other pieces of sacred furniture, the utensils to be used in the Tabernacle, and to make the ephod worn by the priests of the One True God. Some of the most holy relics in the history of Israel were made by the hands of one who is virtually unknown and all but forgotten. But, who would — or for that matter, who would dare — downplay his contributions?

Who would have needed an artist?

Then there's your talent. What do you have to offer the Lord? You say you can't preach, serve as an elder, teach a Bible class, or lead in the Sunday worship? Do you really think these are the only avenues through which we can serve the Lord?

Listen, if God can find use for an artist during the wilderness wandering, then he can find use for your talents as well. Give it some thought and then offer who you are and what you are made to do to the Lord!

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms. If you speak, you should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If you serve, you should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:10-11)

Every Man's Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time by Stephen Arterburn, et. al. In this compassionate brother-to-brother guide, the authors tackle sexual temptation head-on, offering a practical battle plan for men--married or single--who desire to live by God's standard.

Steve Higginbotham is a native of West Virginia. His father also preached. Steve serves the South Green Street congregation in Glasgow, Kentucky. Steve & Kim have four children, Kelli, Michael, Matthew, and Anne Marie.

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