Working with what God gives me is not always easy. Perhaps you wished you had greater skills or abilities, different people to work with, or different students in your class. Perhaps you have this wish now or have had in the past. Many times, I have complained about what had been given to me because it seemed unfair. We are all on a journey of faith so don’t hesitate to ask God to transform you and give you the patience and wisdom to work with what the Lord has given you.
Nehemiah Moves Forward in Faith
Nehemiah is a great example of a leader who had a very difficult job and yet worked with who God gave him. He was a cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes, and the Lord put on his heart to rebuild the walls in Jerusalem. Moving forward in faith he humbly asked the King for supplies to rebuild the walls and gates, which was granted.
Arriving sometime later Nehemiah inspected the walls and then explained his plan to the leaders. Nehemiah 2:17 But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” 18 Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work. [1]
Paul Gives Insight on How to Work with What God Gives
Paul gives insight into working with what God has given him. Philippians 4:11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.[2]
The people available to rebuild the wall were not trained builders. As you read Nehemiah chapter three, all the builders were just ordinary unskilled people who were willing to learn a new skill. Nehemiah was content as he began to work with people who were not skilled stone masons and used the people God had given him. He relied on God and not his own skill and strength.
As I mentioned earlier, if you are struggling with this issue don’t hesitate to go to the Lord for help. He knows we struggle and it is only with His help we can be overcomers. Paul also tells us that we be content because the Lord will help us. To hear more about working with what God gives me, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/rebuilding-unfinished-hope-the-work-begins
[1,2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.