Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.” – (1 Corinthians 12:18)

I just want to give a quick thought from chapter 31 of the passage in Exodus that we are reading together today. I was tempted to write something from chapter 32, but I decided that this thought was more appropriate for the people of Jersey Shore. I am thankful because this message is a little more encouraging than what I would have said about chapter 32. I encourage you to read it and I think you will understand what I mean. Besides, I preached a message this morning that was might be considered hard by some, so here is my opportunity to balance the scales. This is pure encouragement.

In the preceding chapters God has been instructing Moses regarding the Tabernacle. God gave him a complete set of blueprints, with detailed instructions about how to go about building it. The problem was that Moses was not necessarily gifted in the area of construction. He was a great leader, but he certainly possess all of the skills necessary to do all that needed to be don; nor would he have the time to do it all himself. God understood this, so He raised up to men who were gifted in construction, at least the type of construction required for the Tabernacle and all of the furniture and coverings involved with it. They were going to oversee the building of the tabernacle so that Moses could do what he needed to do.

I remember when we were building our little addition to the church building. It was only a 900 square foot addition to the auditorium, but honestly I knew very little about what was needed to complete it. God raised up a man in our church to oversee the construction. The project was completed on time and under budget. Everybody congratulated me on what a wonderful job I did with the building, but truthfully, I had very little to do with it. And because I didn’t have to focus on the construction, I was able to fulfill without distraction my primary duties of ministry. Thank God for Don Price who was gifted and used of the Lord in a great way to fulfil this particular task.

God equips the local church with what it needs to do what God wants it to do. Part of my job as a pastor is to try to figure out what the gifts and talents are in the people, and put them to use. People who are not being used are unhappy people; and unhappy people will not stay long, and their talents will be wasted. God also equips each and every one of us with what we need so that we can fulfil His will. He will never ask us to do something and not provide the tools and materials that are necessary in order to get the job done.

Have you discovered what God has equipped you with? What gifts, talents, and abilities has God entrusted to your life? Are you allowing Him to use all of those things for His honor and glory? Why not find a place to serve in the local church where your talents can be used to the fullest? God wants to bear fruit in your life. Allow Him to use you.