So I just finished reading Exodus a little while ago.  Not going to lie – when I get to the part where God gives Moses all the instructions and regulations for how to make the tabernacle out there in the middle of the desert, I kinda skim over it.  But a few nights back when I was lying in bed unable to sleep, God pretty much plopped this little nugget of awesomeness right in my lap.

Exodus 35-36… (It’s worth it to read the chapters in their entirety)

⁴ Moses said to the whole Israelite community, “This is what the LORD has commanded: ⁵ From what you have, take an offering for the LORD. Everyone who is willing is to bring to the LORD an offering of gold, silver and bronze….

²⁰ Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence, ²¹ and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments….

² Then Moses summoned Bezalel and Oholiab and every skilled person to whom the LORD had given ability and who was willing to come and do the work. ³ They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. ⁴ So all the skilled workers who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left what they were doing ⁵ and said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.”

⁶ Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, ⁷ because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.

I never really remember reading about this whole scenario ever before.  Pretty crazy, though!  The Israelites brought so many talents and supplies and gifts to use for the building of the Tabernacle that Moses had to tell them to QUIT bringing stuff?!  A-mazing!

I’ve always found it easy to dog on the Israelites for their complaining and selfish attitude, but in this instance the people were not only obedient, but they came with willing and giving hearts to be used of God however they could.  Oh man.  I know this probably isn’t as exciting/convicting for anybody else, but for me… Wow.  I just want God to be able to take me and use me – all of me – for whatever He wants.

This little passage also made me think about all of you out there who are currently supporting us!  Guys, you really have NO idea what a blessing you are to Scott and I personally.  Your giving hearts and continual prayers have done so much to encourage us and keep us moving in this direction.  I know that for many of you, it is a huge sacrifice to support us financially, and every day I think about every one of you.  It’s so hard for me, because sometimes I’m afraid our thank-you’s all sound like a bunch of put-together words in our emails and updates.  But you mean so very much to us, and we’re happy that you are believing with us that God’s got a plan – for us, for the Dominican Republic, for His glory.