by Betty Brock

In our quickly changing world of computer technology, breakneck communication systems, and modern household appliances, we still use baskets. The first mention of baskets in Scripture was in Genesis when Joseph interpreted the dream of the imprisoned chief baker about the birds eating “bake meats” out of the three white baskets on his head. The ark of bulrushes that baby Moses was hidden in by his mother was most probably a papyrus basket coated with tar (or pitch). Many times in the Old Testament, baskets were used for carrying or storing produce and were even used for trapping birds in the book of Jeremiah.   Bread was placed in small hand baskets, grapes and figs were harvested into fruit baskets, and clay and other bulky articles carried in larger baskets. The baskets were made of peeled twigs, reeds, leaves, rushes, wicker, rope or plaited cords, and many other natural fibers found in the different regions. If it was flexible, someone probably wove it into a basket. When Jesus fed the four and five thousand, baskets (hamper-type) were used both times for serving and for the leftovers. This same hamper-type basket was used when Paul was lowered from the wall of Damascus.

And we still use baskets—functional baskets for storage and transportation of goods as in Bible days, and especially baskets for more decorative purposes.  Before  Samsonite®, Tupperware®, Rubbermaid®, and Sterilite®, we had baskets! Baskets are truly an amazing commodity that have stood the test of time.

And we still use baskets for a myriad of purposes:  laundry baskets, grocery baskets, decorative baskets, magazine baskets, organizer baskets, storage baskets, bread baskets, sewing baskets, toy baskets, fish baskets (called  “creels”), garden baskets, bicycle baskets, and walker baskets.  No longer are only natural fibers used.  Now we use plastic and even stainless steel.  Our world uses many different types of baskets made of many different materials  for many different uses—and all are very useful.

Just as there are so many different types of baskets, God has made us into unique individuals that He wants to use. But there are some “weaving” requirements if you truly want to be a vessel that God can use.

1. Accept the way God made you—even if His way is not the way you had planned. Learn thankfulness for His plan (Isaiah 55:8-9).
2. Be flexible in His hands. Learn of His sufficiency to craft you in just the right way (2 Corinthians 3:4, 18).

I read the following tips from a basket weaver, Irene Ames, and was reminded that we are God’s workmanship. I have made the action words bold; as you read, remember the need for flexibility in basket weaving.

After the brown-ash log is trimmed and its bark stripped, it’s pounded with overlapping blows to loosen the growth rings. The wood is then peeled from the log in strips called splints. The splints are shaved to remove the cambium, the fuzzy layer of cells between growth rings, then cut into strips of the right width for basket uprights and woven sides. Basket uprights are held in place on a form and then locked in place with woven strips, which form the basket’s base and sides. The rims, ears and handles are steamed and carved from thicker strips of ash and gently bent to the correct shape. A lashing strip is then used to bind them into a solid, durable and beautiful work of craftsmanship.

3. Ask God to fill you . . . and then refill . . . being filled to overflowing. Learn Christ; then you will know what should be in you—what to “put off” and what to “put on” (Ephesians 18b-20; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:20-24).
4. Use your overflowing basket to minister to others. Learn to wisely follow God’s leading in how you are used (Psalm 90:12). “We must remain in the master’s hand and be moldable [weavable]. Understanding what God is about to do where I am is more important than telling God what I want to do for him” (Henry Blackaby).

Jeremiah 29:11-13—For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

One of my favorite baskets is an antique one with a certain quaintness about it which was once used by my husband’s grandmother. I’m sure it has had many uses through the years—possibly some very utilitarian uses. Right now it is a basket that brings beauty to my life. It does not carry anything; it remains on a shelf with some greenery placed gently in it. As with this basket, there may be times in our lives that we cannot carry the burdens we once carried or cannot do what others are able to do, but if we follow the “weaving” requirements, God will use us to bring beauty into the lives of others.