Bezalel

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 31:2-5

I received a surprise text message from a close friend a couple of weeks ago that really encouraged me and came alongside a lot of thoughts that have been swirling around more in my head lately. In the text message, my friend wrote out Exodus 31:2-5 and encouraged me in my artistic abilities. It was a sweet and timely push.

Before moving to Louisville, Erick and I prayed and committed the next 3-4 years of our lives to the Lord's equipping and preparation for whatever He would have in store for us in ministry. We knew that for Erick this meant being a full-time seminary student; for both of us, serving at a local church, engaging in our city and investing in the relationships around us; and for me, we prayed that the Lord would help me explore my creative gifts and talents, use this time to grow them and prune them, and show me how I can use them for ministry.

After committing these things to prayer I have found it very intimidating to tackle what to do next. I have a bunch of interests in mind and a thousand ideas that I dream about more than actually practically settling on a specific plan for one idea to come to fruition. Baker? Coffee shop owner? Graphic Designer? All three rolled into one? What about timing? Resources? Can I actually even do it?

It's scary to think about all the could-be's and would-be's and if-only's, but when I reflect on how my past ideas and plans have turned out, it is wonderful to realize that, more often than not, they rarely turn out the way I pictured or planned.  In my pride, I get lost in my plans and always begin thinking I am in complete control of the outcome. God's plans somehow always surpass what I ask or imagine and remind me that I am not in control- and praise God, I am not!

So rather than panicking and busying my hands, trying to pick up stones to build my own path, I will first be still and give my hands to Him. Any path I try to build on my own is temporary and will most certainly crumble. I want my path to be His and for my eyes to be set on the right prize before I go any further.