10 October Numbers 4

Use your God-given skills

Numbers 4:49 (ERV) “Each man was counted just as the Lord commanded Moses. Each man was given his own work and told what he must carry just as the Lord had said”.

This chapter discusses how God assigns different roles and responsibilities to various individuals among His people. It highlights how each person, family, and clan is given specific duties uniquely tailored to them by name. Let’s for a moment refer to the New Testament:

1 Peter 4:10 (ERV) “God has shown you his grace in many different ways. So be good servants and use whatever gift he has given you in a way that will best serve each other”.

Romans 12:6-8 (TLB) “God has given each of us the ability to do certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, then prophesy whenever you can—as often as your faith is strong enough to receive a message from God. If your gift is that of serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, do a good job of teaching. If you are a preacher, see to it that your sermons are strong and helpful. If God has given you money, be generous in helping others with it. If God has given you administrative ability and put you in charge of the work of others, take the responsibility seriously. Those who offer comfort to the sorrowing should do so with Christian cheer”.

God has a purpose for each of us. Even when we work hard, there will be moments when we feel like we've failed in what God has asked us to do. Feeling frustrated and discouraged is natural, but we shouldn’t lose heart. However when God gives us a task, He also provides everything we need to complete it. Our job is to stay faithful and trust Him. We must also remember that the outcome and timing are in God’s hands. As long as we keep trusting and remain faithful, there’s no need to feel discouraged or frustrated. 1 Corinthians 15:58b (ERV) Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.

Look for opportunities to serve God and use your gifts daily. How you use your talents for God might look different daily. Sometimes, you will see how God works through your abilities, while other times, it might be happening quietly, and you won’t immediately see the impact.

Even if you can’t see how your talent is making a difference, it’s important to let God use you because you might change someone’s life without knowing it.

In conclusion, the scriptures remind us that God has uniquely gifted us with specific abilities and tasks tailored to our strengths and purposes. Whether we see the immediate impact of our work or not, our faithfulness in using these gifts is what matters most. We are called to serve with the confidence that God equips us for the tasks He assigns and that our efforts are never in vain when done for the Lord. By trusting in His timing and purpose, we can find peace and encouragement, knowing that our work contributes to His more excellent plan and can touch lives in ways we may never fully understand. Let us continue to serve wholeheartedly, confident that God’s grace and guidance will lead us to fulfil His will.