As I sit at my laptop rejoicing over getting my second novel, Blind Ambition, to market last Friday, I think about the gifts God gives us so we can serve Him.

I’m reminded of Bezalel and Oholiab. When it was time for the people of Israel to construct the tabernacle in the wilderness, they were chosen by God as craftsmen to make what was required and to teach others who would help them. The way in which Moses introduced them to the Israelites is found in Exodus 35:30-36:1 (ESV):

Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft.

“And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to do every sort of work done by an engraver or by a designer or by an embroiderer in blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen, or by a weaver—by any sort of workman or skilled designer.

“Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the LORD has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded.”

God called them by name. He knew exactly which person He was going to equip for the service He wanted from them. He called them to the task and filled them with the Spirit and everything they would need to do the work He called them to.

God still fills each of us with skill, ability, and knowledge to serve where He calls us.

The gifts He gives us are as varied as the tasks that await us.

The musician uses his musical artistry to praise and worship God.

The writer devises a plot and hones her craft to write riveting fiction to share the message of God’s love for us.

The contractor and construction worker use their skills to build whatever is needed by the victims of a natural disaster.

The cook uses her culinary gifts to prepare scrumptious food for fellowship or to feed hungry folks at a homeless shelter.

I try to write novels that tell a gripping story, skillfully crafted, that encourages readers to consider their own relationship with God in a way that deepens it. I pour my full energy into the task, totally engaging my heart and mind as I strive to get it right. I want to serve God with my best.

What is one special gift God has given you? What ways have you found to serve Him with it?