Over the past few years I have collected a lot of tools. With each move, my dad brings tools just in case things need to be fixed around the house. When he leaves, the tools stay behind, so I end up with a new saw, screwdriver or wrench. Then there are the tools that fix the sprinkler system, the tools that come with ‘some assembly required’ furniture, bolts that hang heavy pictures, bolts to hang light fixtures, and then just plain old regular bolts. Oh, and don’t forget the nails… tiny nails all the way up to the amazingly huge industrial strength nails. I probably have most of these things in my garage.

The problem is, I have absolutely no idea how to use the tools. A glance into my garage would lead you to believe I am a real handy man; that I can actually build things. But that is a myth. What I have is just a collection of tools that I have gathered over the years and since I am not really sure what to do with them, they just sit.

If some of us opened up our faith toolboxes, it would appear much the same. Take the tool of prayer. We know all about the elements of prayer: praise, confession, request, thanksgiving, intercession, and adoration. We know the steps of listening. We have read books on meditation. We have books full of Scriptures to pray for certain times and events. Yet we rarely pray.

Some of us have incredible knowledge of the Scriptures. Not only can we list all the books (in order), but we can also give some vague idea about what the book says. We can locate verses as needed. We can enlighten listeners with the history of the books. We can put the Scripture into the proper context. Yet we rarely allow the Scripture to teach and motivate us.

Then there are all the other tools that God has given us for life. We were blessed with tools such as friendship, community, church, silence, worship and art. Our creator also gave us the great outdoors, wisdom, common sense, books, patience, humility, and compassion, to name a few.

These are the things we were given to make it through this journey. Yet most of them sit on a shelf, certainly not used as much as they should be.

Many of us have collections of spiritual tools. Yet when it comes down to it, we don’t know how to use them to help guide us through life. It’s time that we learn to use the gifts that are within us. It is quite amazing how often the tools are exactly what we need.

So take the time to learn how to use the spiritual tools you have already collected. May you be amazed at what God can do in your soul with the items you’ve gathered. It just might be another water to wine miracle.