Exodus 38

What had God given you that you aren't using to advice the Kingdom of Heaven? What are you waiting for?

Hunter: https://www.instagram.com/hunter.carr23

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Hey everyone, welcome back to the Christians on College Campuses podcast. My name is Hunter Carr, and I am a graduate of Cameron University. It's so good to be back and spend some time in God's Word with you again. Today we are looking at Exodus chapter 38. This chapter continues describing the construction of the tabernacle. But there's a really cool lesson we can take from this. God cares about how we use what He has given us. In this chapter, it talks about the altar, the basin, the courtyard, and all the materials that were used to build the tabernacle. And one verse in verse 8 it stands out saying He made the bronze basin and it stand from the mirrors of the woman who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Think about that. These women had something personal, their mirrors, and they gave them up to be used for God's purposes. Something that could have been used for themselves became something that was used for God. And I think there's a powerful connection for us. We live in a culture that constantly tells us to focus on ourselves. How do I look? How successful am I? How many people follow me? How can I make my life better? But following Jesus changes the question. Instead of asking how can I use everything for myself, we start asking, God, how can I use what you've given me for you? That could be your education, it could be your career, your money, time, talents, your social media, even your influence. Everything we have can be used for God's glory. This reminds me of 1 Corinthians 10 31, where it says, So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. And I love that because Paul doesn't say only do spiritual things for God's glory. He says, Whatever you do. That means your classroom can glorify God, your workplace can glorify God, your sports team, your friendships, all of that can glorify God. Even the ordinary parts of your life can point people toward Jesus. Another thing that stands out in this chapter is the amount of work that went into the building of the tabernacle. There were people measuring, building, sewing, carrying, organizing, and giving. Not everyone had the same job, but everyone had a role. And this connects with what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12. Now there are different gifts, but the same spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. You don't have to do what everyone else is doing. Maybe you're not the person preaching on stage. Maybe you're the person encouraging someone who's struggling. Maybe you're good at organizing. Maybe you're good at music, sports. Maybe you're even good at making people feel welcome. Maybe you simply know how to listen. Those things matter. God can use whatever gifts He's given you. And here's the part I really want college students, young adults to hear. You don't have to wait until you graduate to be used by God. You don't have to wait until you have your career figured out. You don't have to wait until you're older. God can use you right now. Your campus is a place where God has put you for a reason. The people sitting next to you in class may need to hear about Jesus. Your roommate may need someone to pray with them. Your coworker may need encouragement. Your friend may need someone to remind them that God hasn't forgotten them. You don't have to be perfect, you just have to be willing. And that brings us back to this chapter. The tabernacle wasn't built by one person. It took many people using what God had already given them. That's a picture of the church. We are different people with different gifts, but we're all working toward the same purpose. Making Jesus known. So as we wrap up, I want to leave you with three questions. What has God given you? And how can you use it for Him? And lastly, what are you waiting for? Maybe God has already placed something in your hands that He wants you to use. But don't wait for the perfect moment. Use what you have where you are for His glory. Let's pray. Father, we thank you for everything you've given us. Thank you for our abilities, our opportunities, our education, relationships, and our influence. Help us recognize that these things are gifts from you. Show us how we can use them for your glory and help help every college student and young adult that are listening today understand that they don't have to wait until they're older or more successful to serve you. Please give us the willing hearts and help us use what you've placed in our hands to point people towards you. We love you and we pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.