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Do you like to make things with your hands? I have a friend who likes to put plastic building bricks together and make all kinds of things—airplanes, people, motorcycles, buildings. If you can think of it, he’s tried to make it. I think he would have enjoyed getting to know the Vishwakarma people of Sri Lanka that our Sunday School teacher told us about today.
Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island located to the southeast of India. It has many different people groups living there, and one of them is the Vishwakarma. They are known for making things. They are craftsmen and artisans. They make things out of gold, wood, metal, and stones. That’s what made me think of my friend building things out of plastic bricks. He has a lot in common with the stone masons, the men who build things out of stones, don’t you think?
Both of them have to plan ahead and know what shapes they will need. They have to have a picture in their minds of what the finished project will look like. They need to be patient and keep working, even when it takes a long time. And they have to believe that the finished project will look like what it’s supposed to—even though it may not look good for a long time.
But there is something that my friend knows that the Vishwakarma haven’t understood yet—where the desire and talent to create things comes from. That’s what our teacher reminded us of this morning. The very first words in the Bible say, “In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 KJV). The thing deep inside of us that makes us want to create something special comes from God. It’s a part of Who He is, and it is a part of Himself that He gave to us to share. When someone wants to paint a beautiful picture or cook a really tasty meal or build something awesome out of plastic buildings bricks, that creativity comes from God.
And just think—God is still creating today. He is creating the story of history. He knows what He will use and what the finished project will look like. He is patient and will keep writing the story until it is finished. And He knows that sometimes even when it looks all wrong, He’ll make it turn out just right in the end.
I’m going to pray for the Vishwakarma today. Will you pray with me?
“Dear God, thank You for creating so many beautiful things for us to enjoy—the sunshine, our pets, the plants—and thank You for creating us. Help us always remember that our creativity comes from You. Please help us create things that will help other people learn about You and know that You love them. Please help the Vishwakarma understand that You created them for a special reason, and that all they have to do is trust You and ask You to make them part of Your story. Thank You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”
What unreached people group will you pray for today?
Download a printable copy of today’s post: Unreached People Groups-Vishwakarma of Sri Lanka.
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