and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills – Exodus 31:3 (NIV)

The idea of going back to school in a few weeks can be hard, especially if you’re not that ‘good’ at schoolwork. Some students have learning disabilities, trouble concentrating, or test anxiety just to name a few. When you’re trying hard, but still not rising to the top of your class, it can be difficult to not get down on yourself or feel bad about yourself.

Here’s the truth, not everyone learns the same. Not all students do well on written tests. However, that doesn’t mean that you’re not gifted or talented.

In today’s Bible verse, we see some men that were gifted with craftmanship skills. And God had a specific purpose for those skills. We don’t see those men feeling bad that they weren’t good at sewing. They weren’t good warriors, and we don’t see them getting upset about that either.

You shouldn’t get upset if your gifting isn’t schoolwork. That doesn’t mean that you’re not good at something. It also doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t try your best. However, if you do your best and you’re still not at the top of your class, don’t worry. God has something special that He’s called and gifted you to do.

You might be good at craftmanship like the men in today’s verse. Perhaps you’re good with people and will one day become a great salesperson. Whatever it is, you’re gifted in some area. Don’t allow yourself to feel like you’re not important because you’re not as good as those students at the top of your class.

Instead, do your best and then trust that you’ll begin to discover your giftings. One of the best ways to do that is to spend time with God. Ask Him to show you what you’re good at. Know that He has an awesome place in the body of Christ for you!

fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

Jesus was obedient to God. He laid aside all the benefits of heaven and stepped into our world all because He loved us. That means when Jesus asks us to follow Him, we can do it because He was our example.

We can do it as we begin to fix our eyes on Jesus. Now, obviously we can’t see Jesus. So how do we fix our eyes on Him? We begin by simply setting our thoughts and attention on Him.

That means we set down our phone. Instead of picking up the phone to watch a video or see a social media post when we get bored, it means that maybe we give Him place in our lives instead.

There are so many things that Jesus wants to show us and reveal to us if we will simply ask Him. All we have to do is begin to fix our eyes on Jesus. When we do, He becomes where our attention is. Then slowly, we find our desires, thoughts and actions becoming more like Him.

So today, challenge yourself to put aside your phone, computer, video games, whatever it is that is hindering you and instead place your focus on Jesus. Let Him and His desires become the most important in your life. Let Jesus reign over your dreams, desires, and pursuits. As you do, you’ll find more fulfillment in Him.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, – Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

Today’s verse is one that can really challenge you if you give it some thought. As you read it, here are a few things to consider.

• What determines the decisions I make?
• What do I have the most fun talking about?
• What types of things do I enjoy spending my money on?
• Are there things that cause me to disobey God? If so, what are they?

The answers to these questions can be really eye opening. They can show you who or what is really determining the love of your heart.

We can often let the distractions and the exciting and fun things of the world begin to take over our heart. What we should do is what today’s Bible verse says. We should throw off every thing that hinders us. Why should we do this? The answer is because the creator God is a god of love. He made us, and He alone knows what will fulfill us.

We often think if we just get a new job, new clothes or some thing, we will be fulfilled. And those things might fulfill us for a time, but if we want lasting fulfillment, it comes by know Him. And not just knowing Him, but by letting Him call the shots in our lives. It’s when we fully surrender to Him that He brings the things into our lives that provide us with the most joy and fulfillment.

So today, if there are things or desires that have crept into your heart that steal your commitment away from God, make the adjustments you need to make. Determine that no one other than God will sit on the throne of your heart. It’s when you fully surrender that you find the most fulfillment in Him.