Hey everyone, welcome back to the Christians on College Campuses podcast. My name's Hunter Carr, and I am a graduate of Cameron University. It's so good to be back and spend time in God's Word with you again. Today we're looking at Exodus chapter 36. At first, this chapter can feel a lot of details about building the tabernacle, but there's a real cool message here about using what God has given you and being willing to give it back to Him. At the beginning of the chapter, we see that Moses calls together the people who God has given these the ability and the wisdom to do the work of building the tabernacle. We see in verse 2 Moses summoned Baslel, Oliad, and every skilled person in whose heart the Lord had placed wisdom. Everyone whose heart moved him to come to do to the work and do it. And that phrase is actually really important right there. Everyone whose heart moved him. These people didn't just have skills, they had a heart that was willing to use those skills for God. And I think that's something we can connect to as college students and young adults. God has given us ever all of us these different abilities and skills. Maybe you're good at leadership, maybe you're good at sports, creative, maybe you're really good at tech or law. Maybe you're just really good at encouraging people. These abilities aren't accidents. God can use them. But sometimes we think our gifts aren't spiritual enough. We might think I'm not a pastor, so how can God use me? But the people building the tabernacle weren't all priests. They were skilled workers using what God had given them before. That reminds me of what Peter said in his first book as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. Notice it says each one, not just pastors, not missionaries, not just ministry leaders, each one of us. God has given you something that He can use. There's something really interesting happens in this chapter. The people start bringing their materials for the tabernacle. They bring so much that the craftsmen eventually come to Moses and say, basically, we have enough. And verse five, the people are bringing more than this than is needed for the construction of the work the Lord commanded to be done. Think about that. The people didn't have to be begged, they didn't have to be pressured. They saw an opportunity to contribute to what God was doing and they gave. Eventually Moses actually had to tell the people to stop bringing offerings because they had more than enough. That's awesome. And it makes me ask, what am I willing to give to God? What are you willing to give to God? Not just money. What about our time, our abilities, our relationships, education, career, even influence? We sometimes we just ask God, what can you give me? But maybe we should also ask, God, what have you already given me that can give back to you? For college students, this can be really important because you might think, I'll serve God when I graduate, I'll get involved when I have more time. I'll start sharing my faith when I'm more mature. But God can use you right now. Your campus is a mission field, your classroom is a mission field, your workplace and your friend group, it's all a mission field. You don't have to wait until you're older or have everything figured out. You can start using what God has given you today. And another thing I noticed in this chapter is that everyone had a role. Not everyone was doing the same thing. Some people worked with gold, some worked with fabric, wood, some used their craftsmanship. Different people had different abilities, but they were all working toward the same purpose. And that's a great picture of the body of Christ. Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 12 12, for just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ. You don't have to be someone else. You don't have to have someone else's gifts. God has already given you your own role. Maybe you're the person who leads. Maybe you're the person who encourages. Maybe you're the person behind the scenes making everything happen. All of those roles matter. So as we wrap up this chapter, I want to leave you with three simple things. First, recognize what God has given you. Your gifts, your abilities, your opportunities, and your influence. It can all be used for Him. Second, be willing to give it back to God. Don't hold on to everything God's given you. Ask Him how can you use it for His kingdom. And third, don't wait until you're older or more qualified. God can use you right where you are. You don't have to wait until graduation. You don't have to wait until you have a perfect life. Or to have a perfect life. You just have to be willing. This week, I want to I want you to ask yourself just a simple question. What has God placed in my hands that I can use for Him? Maybe it's your time. Maybe it's your talent. Your influence. Whatever it is, don't wait for the perfect moment. Use what God has given you today. Let's pray. Father, thank you for everything you've given us. Thank you for our gifts, abilities, opportunities, and the people you've placed around us. Help us recognize that everything we have ultimately comes from you. Give us willing hearts that want to use that you've given us for your kingdom. Help every college student and young adult listening today. Help them understand that you can use them right now where they are. Give us the courage to serve you on our campuses, in our workplaces, in our churches, and just in our everyday lives. We want our lives to be useful for your purposes. We love you and we pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
