More Than Enough

I'm not typically someone who reads the Old Testament just for the sake of reading the Old Testament, however I've been in Exodus the past few days because of my daily bible readings (www.youversion.com). I'm finding it interesting to read about the Israelites who recently left Egypt in a flurry of signs and wonders from God, who rebel and complain on numerous occasions, and now in today’s reading are obedient when God speaks to them. (Sometimes I wonder how similar we are to the Israelites.)

Earlier in Exodus God gave very specific instructions to build the Tabernacle. God choose Bezalel, a gifted craftsmen, along with Oholiab to help him construct and furnish the Tabernacle. In Exodus 35:4-19 God gave instructions to Moses to tell the people very specifically what was needed for the sanctuary of the Tabernacle. Then I read Ex. 36:7 and it jumped off the screen at me. It says, “Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.”

More than enough. How many situations have you been in where people donated more than enough? I've been in many circumstances where people gave some, gave lots, gave almost enough; but more than enough?! This challenges me and stirs me. Has God asked me to give so I can be part of the more than enough category and I've chosen to only give some or almost enough? Has God nudged my heart or had someone speak His truths and I've thought I was being obedient by giving some?

If the grumbling, idol making, rebellious Israelites can make contributions which were more than enough to complete the whole project, then surely I can too.

Lord, help me to listen and be obedient when you speak. Help me to give more than enough.


Jo-Ann