Going ‘out-of-the-box’….

I tend to write exactly as the thoughts occur in my head.  It may seem disjointed to most, but that’s okay… such is life in my brain and it works just fine for me.  I am as God designed me to be and I certainly make no apologies for that. Hopefully, these thoughts will be as encouraging to you, as they have been to me this morning….

First, a little background on what’s going on in my life right now:

In June, I auditioned again for the Praise Team at my church.  While that may not seem a big deal to some, let me say that I don’t consider myself to be a vocalist.  A musician, yes. A lover of music, definitely. A person who is affected by lyrics and melodies, without doubt.  For me, music is a powerful tool that God uses to give inspiration, encouragement, motivation, comfort and peace.

So, if I’m not really a singer, why audition?  Because that’s what I felt God was leading me to do. I auditioned last year, but wasn’t selected. And while that was disappointing, it wasn’t discouraging.  So, I spent the past year working with a vocal coach to improve and strengthen my vocal ability (I won’t yet call it a talent or skill, as I feel there is much improvement to be made). I worked hard, really hard!  I was determined to grow as much as possible… if this is where God wants me to be, then, by golly, I’m going to everything I can to prepare myself and make it happen! Ever feel like that?

Now, here are my thoughts from this morning (this is where you get a really good peek into my brain… brace yourself!)…

I live my life for those “out-of-my-box” callings. Why? Because of my desire to not only grow as a Christian but to be put in a place where I am as small as can be so that God has the most room to do His thing.  You may have heard it said “God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips those He calls.”  Truth, yes.  But sometimes the equipping happens before your call to duty begins.  So, are you waiting to simply become a triathlete before you enter the race or are you putting yourself in places to practice and grow your strength and endurance?

My constant prayer is the one we’re told Jabez prayed:

     “He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, ‘Oh, that you would bless me and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do and keep me from all trouble and pain.’ And God granted him his request.” - 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NLV)

When God answers our prayer to lead us into new territory, whether it be worldly or spiritual territory, our preparation and journey doesn’t stop when we arrive there.  That’s when we put the training into practice and a new and wondrous path unfolds before us as we carry God’s Light into the darkness so that His glory may be unmistakably seen and celebrated!

I don’t share this as someone who had the answers to it all - far from it!  I’m simply sharing thoughts that the Spirit gave me to help remind myself of the path I’m on figuring there are others out there in the same situation that may be reminded, as well.

As it turns out, I did make Praise Team this year.  And while I’m feeling a tummy full of butterflies as I stand on the edge of this new territory, I’m confident that God has PLENTY of room to work His will…. and that’s all that really matters.

As always, your thoughts and comments are welcomed and encouraged!