Intentional 21 Devotional: Day 20 - Ismael Covarrubias

God is Into the Details 

 Exodus 31

Have you ever felt like your "spiritual life" and your "real life" are two totally different worlds? Like God is mostly interested in what you do at church, but doesn’t really care about your desk job, your art, or how you organize your kitchen?

In the book of Exodus 31 it totally flips that script.

In this chapter, God is finishing up the instructions for the Tabernacle. But instead of just giving more measurements, He calls out a guy named Bezalel. He says, "I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding..."

But here’s the thing, God didn't fill Bezalel with the Spirit so he could preach a sermon. He filled him so he could design, carve, and build.

It’s easy to think that being "filled with the Spirit" only looks like praying in a certain way or being a missionary. But Exodus 31 shows us that God is the original Artist, and when you are good at what you do—whether that’s coding, parenting, styling hair, or balancing a budget—that’s actually a gift from Him.

God literally "consecrated" (made holy) the act of working with your hands and your brain. He’s the one who gave you that specific "talent" for solving problems or making things look beautiful.

God ends the chapter with a big reminder about the Sabbath. It’s like He’s saying, "I’ve given you these amazing skills to build great things, but don't get so caught up in being a 'producer' that you forget you’re a person."

Our work is a way to honor God, but our rest is how we show God we trust Him. We aren't just machines, we’re His kids.

In conclusion

 * God loves your craft: Whatever you’re good at, God put that spark there.

 * You aren’t a one-man show: Bezalel had a partner, Oholiab. God loves teamwork.

 * You are more than your output: Your value doesn't drop to zero on your day off.

Join me doing a simple activity to practice this. Grab your phone or a sticky note and do these three quick things:

1. Tag Your Talents:

Think of one thing you’re genuinely "good at" that feels "ordinary." (Maybe you’re great at de-escalating grumpy customers, or you can pack a car trunk like a Tetris pro).

 * Write it down: "God gave me the skill of ___________."

 * Next time you do that thing, whisper, "This one's for You, God." I know it’s cringy at times but see if it changes your mood.

2. High-Five a Partner:

God paired Bezalel with Oholiab because work is better together.

 * Text one person today who helps you get things done (a coworker, a spouse, a friend). Just say: "Hey, I was thinking about how much I appreciate your help with [X]. Glad we're on the same team."

3. The "Unplug" Challenge:

God was super serious about the Sabbath.

 * Pick a "No-Work" Window: Choose a 2-hour block this weekend where you will not check email, do chores, or "produce" anything.

 * What’s the plan? Use that time to do something that is 100% just for joy—a hobby, a nap, or a long walk.

As you do these exercises, whether it's following along with our Daniel fasting or trying another fasting routine. I pray that you see how God has blessed your talents and focuses on your heart of service.