I Chronicles 27:1
“Now this is the number of the sons of Israel, the heads of fathers’ households, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all the affairs of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout the months of the year, each division numbering twenty-four thousand.”
I’m interested in this passage because this a chapter dedicated to warriors. The previous two were about those that did service in the house of God. These are very different types of people. I’m going to personalize this as lately I’ve been thinking how I would have responded to being been drafted and gone to war. I don’t see good coming out of it.
I played football for three years and wasn’t ever comfortable with it. I can complete but don’t thrive on it. When I watch my team play and they are destroying the opponent I feel sorry for them and hope they could get some points.
My dad would talk about a killer instinct when playing football. I can’t relate to that. I know some dogs have a prey drive. When it kicks in they are insane with destruction. Those kind of dogs have their place. Not the best house, family pets.
For a decade I did church counseling. I went back to school to get a degree in psychology. There is much that was a good fit. I have always preferred one to one conversations. I enjoy asking questions and digging deeper. I have a heart for the individual. I loved that and hope to continue in it. This felt like God made me for this.
In my twenties I taught bible studies and was in youth ministry. I followed that path and sought to be a pastor. God closed the door. I am so grateful for that. I am anxious talking up front. A great deal of time is spent on others with little alone time. I’m an introvert and that is the opposite of what that make up thrives on.
God has gifted us in different areas. Ephesians 4:11 says, “And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” Exodus 31:3 says, “And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of craftsmanship.” I love that. We normally don’t think of the manly skills as having been gifted from God. It’s like says God gifted one to be a mechanic.
With the skill God gives a compatible temperament and personality. With big gifts usually comes with a big personality. With mild usually is the mild. An opposite equipping is possible, but with some discomfort.
Our joy is the most complete when we are functioning in our gifts and strengths. That’s how God created us. It’s another display of His wisdom. He wants us to be happy. He is like a proud parent who beams at the success and functioning of His children.
Lord, You are a genius as to how You create. Thank You for loving us and giving us favor.