An Offering of Willingness

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“All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the Tabernacle, for the performance of its rituals, and for the sacred garments. Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. They brought to the Lord their offerings…” Exodus 35: 21-22 NLT

Friends, this was how the Tabernacle was built. Those who felt God’s calling gave their most prized possessions. Those who felt moved by the message from the Lord offered their time, talents, money, premier fabrics, heirlooms, rainy day funds — whatever they had, they gave to God.

I imagine some gave little. I imagine some gave a lot. I imagine most gave everything.

If even one had held back, they wouldn’t have had enough to complete the enormous task at hand.

Let’s think about that for a bit. Every single person was crucial in making this fine masterpiece for our Master. Every person’s willingness fit into God’s Master Plan. This all reminds me of the honey bees…how their efforts benefit a multitude…

I read this and think…How many times have I said/thought:

What do I have to give?
I have nothing of worth to offer.
There are others far more capable.
God deserves someone with more than me.

And then I hear that still small voice ask, why not act on God moving through you? Why not open your hands wide and offer…yourself? Isn’t that enough? For God has touched me. He has stirred my heart numerous times.

Because it’s not me — It’s Him.
I don’t have to be enough — He is.
I don’t have to do it all — He will.

God can multiply, subtract, divide, or add to whatever I have to offer.
A willing heart is all that’s required of me.

It’s always Him that makes the masterpiece grand. Not me.

Friends, we don’t have to know all the details. We simply have to be willing. Willing to have Him do great things through us. With whatever talents He’s blessed us with. All He asks of us is that we offer back what He’s given us to be used by Him in greater ways than we ever could have done ourselves.

Yes. This I can do. I can be moved. I can be stirred. And I can react. I can offer all that I have. For Him.

Take it, Lord. Take all of it. Here You go. I may not have much, but You’ve done greater things with far less.

And I can’t wait to see You make something beautiful out of what I have to give.

How about you? What will you offer Him this week? I’d love to hear.

4 Responses to An Offering of Willingness
  1. Barbie
    July 13, 2014 | 10:45 am

    Oh Nikki, yes! It’s so comforting to know He takes us as we are, and uses us for His glory. All He needs is my yes!

  2. Mary
    July 14, 2014 | 7:28 am

    Oh my willingness…I am trying to be open to what he wants me to do, but sometimes the way is so cloudy and foggy. Hard to see exactly. Hard to discern. These days I am trying to be open and wait. I am sure, in time, I’ll have an answer.

    Great words here, Nikki!!

  3. MaryM
    July 14, 2014 | 8:03 am

    Willingness can come hard. God loves a joyful giver. This week I feel anything but joyful as I stay behind while my hubby hits the road in the semi. I stay behind because I feel God asking me to make that sacrifice, to stand with someone who is being unfairly persecuted by another. I remember being alone and needing a friend. I pray God will use me to make a difference in this woman’s life. That He will take my “unwillingness”, that I am trying to make willingness and use it to show His glory and love and grace. I believe that God knows I want to honor Him and obey, even though my heart is torn. Thank you for this great blog. I always enjoy them.

  4. Dolly
    July 15, 2014 | 12:24 am

    Nikki,
    Yes…willingness is the key that opens the door to so much God wants to do in and through us 🙂