How a Willing Heart Completes God’s Work in Brooklyn: Exodus 35-39

Hey, friends! Ever felt that little nudge urging you to serve, give, or step into something new and beautiful that God might be preparing just for you? I believe we’ve all been there, a moment when the thought of giving more time or energy feels like an invitation directly from above. Yet, frustratingly, often followed by that all-too-familiar resistance—questions about our time, energy, or even our capabilities. We're diving into a scripture today that explores this very tension of rest and service beautifully. We’re going to see how the ancient Israelites found that sweet spot between resting in God’s presence and joyfully responding to His call with willing hearts. Let's journey into the book of Exodus and explore what it truly means to have a heart stirred by God.

"Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing..."

Before the Israelites could roll up their sleeves and begin building the Tabernacle, God flipped the script on what we’d usually expect. Instead of launching immediately into hard work, He started with rest. Exodus 35:2 shares God’s command for the Sabbath, a day of holy rest. This command seems almost counterintuitive. Isn’t there essential kingdom work to be done? It’s a fascinating setup because God knows that sustainable service springs from a heart that is first at rest.

Let’s think about that familiar story of Mary and Martha for a moment. Martha was busy—dutiful and doing good, necessary things. But Mary chose to be at Jesus's feet. Jesus said she had chosen "the better part" (Luke 10:42). This demonstrates that the invitation to labor for God begins not with frantic energy but with a peaceful heart soaking in His presence.

When Moses invited the Israelites to bring offerings for the Tabernacle, he didn’t shake them down for cash. No baskets passed, no emotional appeals were made. Instead, he simply shared what was needed and sent them home to think, pray, and decide with intentional hearts. Exodus 35:5 captures the heart of this invitation beautifully: "Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it."

This gesture uncovers something profound about God’s heart—He yearns for willing worshipers, cheerful givers, as echoed in 2 Corinthians 9:7. God isn’t after your begrudging dollars. He longs for your willing participation in His glorious work, backed by a heart that sees it as a privilege to partner with Him.

Exodus 35:21 illustrates the turning point: "Then everyone came whose heart was stirred, and everyone whose spirit was willing." Notice, it doesn’t say everyone came. It highlights the response of those with hearts stirred and spirits truly willing. Some people's hearts were stirred, yet hesitation won out. How often do we find ourselves in this space, sensing God's nudge but feeling blocked by fear or competing priorities?

This is the pressing need—to allow a stirred heart to lead to obedient action. It’s not enough to be moved during Sunday worship if Monday through Saturday looks unchanged. Our stirred hearts are meant to birth lives of active obedience.

What’s deeply moving about the Tabernacle project is the extent of participation. Across all walks of life—men and women, leaders and commoners—each bore a part. Not everyone brought gold; some brought their artisan skills, and others various needed materials. Exodus 36:1-2 notably speaks of Bezalel and Oholiab, who were specially gifted by God with wisdom and skill for the task.

This diversity mirrors the body of Christ today. Your role, whether you balance the books or lead in prayer, matters equally in God’s masterpiece. In Brooklyn, every act of service and every talent you can offer is a vital part of the tapestry God is weaving.

An almost unimaginable scene unfolds in Exodus 36:5, where Moses encounters a unique problem—"The people bring much more than enough." Can you envision being told to stop giving because there’s too much? Such is the miracle born of genuinely stirred hearts and willing spirits. God accomplished His purposes superabundantly through their generous response.

Yet here we are, faced with the sobering reality of many gospel opportunities remaining unfulfilled because hearts remain unstirred. How many Brooklyn neighborhoods go without a church’s impact because resources are lacking?

The Challenge: What Is God Stirring in You? (How Can We Respond to God’s Stirring Today?)
Even now, the call of God resounds as a gracious invitation, not as guilt-driven manipulation. It's about participating in a story much bigger than us, the ongoing building of God's kingdom here in Brooklyn and beyond.

If you’re sensing God’s call, remember the equipping follows. As with Bezalel’s filling by the Spirit for his work, God equips for His call. Your response doesn’t need all the answers, just the willingness to begin.

The building of God’s house continues now, not as wooden or gold structures, but through living stones—His people. The invitation is here. Will your heart say, “Yes, Lord”?

Let us pray together:

Father, thank You for stirring our hearts and calling us into Your grand work. May we find rest in Your presence, confident in the knowledge that You equip those You call. Stir our hearts anew and grant us willing spirits to joyfully participate in building Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A stirred heart refers to being spiritually prompted or nudged by God to act, reflecting a deep inner conviction.

Yes, resting in God refuels and renews us, ensuring that our service flows from a place of spiritual fullness.

Look for feelings of conviction or specific talents God uses to nudge you towards His purposes, often confirmed through prayer, scripture, and community.

God values the heart behind the gift. A willing heart aligns with joyful obedience, embodying love rather than obligation.

With willing hearts, God's provision overflows, needs are met, and His purposes are abundantly fulfilled.

Let this guide for true worship inspire you to carry your Sunday praises through your week, wherever you are!