Prayer of Bezalel and Oholiab

The gifts of Bezalel and Oholiab

Have you ever looked at a task that you needed to accomplish and thought, “There is no way that I can do that.” This thought is especially prominent in the minds of pastors. Typically, when a pastor begins the process of revitalizing a church, the team around them is at a minimum. Oftentimes, it is just the pastor and their family. There is so much that we need to learn beyond preaching in order to breathe life into a church. If thinking of all the things that you want to do but do not know how to do makes you lose sleep at night, you are in good company.

I want to tell you about a prayer that has helped me. I call it the prayer of Bezalel and Oholiab. To be clear, this is not a prayer that these two men prayed for but an example of what God can do. The next time you have a free twenty to thirty minutes, read Exodus 25-30. God was telling Moses to accomplish some tasks that sounded daunting, if not impossible, with the people and resources that he had. He was to build altars, and lampstands, the temple and the ark the covenant. These were not mere vessels but items that would challenge any works of art that have ever been created. They were made from precious metals and decorated with fine jewels. I can just see Moses’ face as he is receiving this list. It's kind of like how I felt when God called me into the ministry, later had to lead a church through COVID–19, and now through revitalization.

When God called me to be a pastor, I was a thirty-five-year-old businessman. I spent time with my family, did my work, and enjoyed the rest of my time as most men do. I did not read much, and anything extra I learned came from the Discovery or History Channel. It was not that I didn’t read; I hated reading. I could not focus long enough to get through a book. I always chuckled inside when someone gave me a book for my birthday or Christmas. I thought, “You sure don’t know me well.” The day that God called me, that all changed. I knew that I needed to be prepared, but where to start? I wanted to read, I wanted to learn, but I did not think I could. I remember finding Exodus 31. It is after God commands Moses to build all of these items that God says something special. He said, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you” (Ex. 31:2-6).

I knew that God had the ability to empower me to accomplish what He called me to do, so first, I prayed for Him to give me the ability to read. He did! Now, I began to consume information. I was like Johnny Five (80s movie reference). I couldn’t put books down. Later, I entered college, and the kid who hated English papers in high school is halfway through a doctorate and getting recruited every semester to be a writing tutor. Later, during COVID-19, when we all had to turn into tech gurus, I prayed the same prayer. I did not instantly learn how to do everything I needed, but God placed people around me to teach me.
What I am trying to get to is that I believe that the God who promises we will speak in other languages (Mk.16:17) can also help us understand new areas of expertise. What if that new language is computer code? What if it is how to use Instagram or Facebook marketing? What if it is how to speak to teenagers, or seniors?

What is God calling you to do that is beyond your current abilities? Don’t look at your inabilities as a hindrance, but look at them as a chance for God to do something amazing. When you feel overwhelmed or unprepared, take some time and say a prayer for Bezalel and Oholiab. Ask God to give you the talents that you need and to surround you with others that He has blessed with those giftings.

Walk in faith, and carry on. You can do this, and I promise that God will bless you!