This is a glimpse into my typical Thursdays at 6:45 AM. Angel’s conceding simper sums up a thousand stories. This is a standard response to my unpredictable behavior, especially when the camera is out. Angel is a truly gifted musician with a contagious heart for God. We have served together in praise and worship ministry for the past three and a half years. He’s currently preparing to become the best dad in the world. The story behind that is a basket of miracles to brag about. God is good!
Angel and I chat it up each week about various personal interests, faith, family, and life in general. Over the past couple years we have noticed a common theme developing around our conversations. For as long as we can remember we have sensed a higher commission to serve God and bless His people through music. Perhaps you can relate to that in terms of music or other ministries. It’s a drive that supersedes time and circumstance. The reward is God’s favor that confirms a purpose much bigger than we could imagine.
The subject of gifting and anointing comes up often. We’ve made so many mistakes along the way, but accountability keeps us from getting bogged down. So what tendencies can keep us from fulfilling the call? Here are a few reminders I have found to be very helpful:
Tweet ThisStop waiting on God to promote you in your church. If your sights are set on a leadership role you may be limiting God with preconceived ideas about His desired outlet of ministry for you. Don’t look for a platform. Look for a prayer closet. As you grow with God in relationship privately He will award authority for you to function more publicly as needed. If credentials and job titles are somehow necessary along the way God already has that figured out for you. The more we pursue a position the more the calling fades further from our grasp. But the more we seek the ONE who called us, ministry becomes natural and effortless. Through experience we mature in our calling and it certainly evolves so much more fluidly than we originally expect. (Prov. 18:16, Matt. 6:33)
Stop waiting on God to rearrange your schedule or to provide you with a job where you would have more time off. Even if you found this so-called perfect job you’re going to live exactly as you do now. You would make time for exactly what you’re making time for now. Even if a million dollar inheritance was gifted to you today, you would to place value on what you place value on now. God has orchestrated a path for you that will provide true peace, happiness and contentment. Invest your time in His plan.
Stop waiting on God to move mountains out of your way. Sometimes I feel frustrated because it seems my current assignment isn’t very effective or productive. Our commission is a journey, not a destination. Each day give your best to God with what He has provided you and where He has led you. Each season of experience pours into the next. Exercising patience during a transitional season is building enough character to sustain you in the season to come. So don’t wastefully wish it away. Hit the mountain head on and don’t let up until you’re walking on air. Embrace the season and may every intended lesson be learned during the first test. (2 Cor. 1:3-7)
If we are following God’s plan, then we shouldn’t be too surprised when the journey doesn’t quite look how we originally pictured it.
Now wait on God! After you’ve committed to do these things then you will know you’re waiting on the Lord and He isn’t waiting on you. He will renew your strength (Is. 40:31). Give yourself fully to trust in His abilities and timing. Obedience is your part, and when you follow through, God can do mighty exploits through you (Dan. 11:32).
Besides our natural tendency to be lazy or self-centered, there is a real demonic enemy strategically working to dismantle God’s purposes in our lives. We shouldn’t be surprised that it is so easy to become distracted. We must also remain strategic to avoid the traps.
For quite some time I’ve felt increasingly drawn toward intercession/worship ministry and learning ways God creatively designed us to connect to Him through music. God began developing the topic of today’s story in my heart a year ago. So I began to sacrifice the flesh some and attempted to manage time better so that I could study and revise the many notes I’ve taken over the years. Then, a few weeks ago I stopped just talking about sharing them and created this website. While the goal isn’t to gain followers, I certainly hope these writings bless those who tag along for the journey.
CONCLUSION
What would prevent you from walking in the fullness of the purposes God designed you for? Make sure He isn’t waiting on you. Don’t let the enemy steal your purposes away in the guise of preoccupation or circumstance management. If you’re called to lead others in praise, go home and lead yourself. Continue and you will begin to lead your family. Continue and God will use you to draw others to Himself.
I would love to hear your experiences, testimonies, and feedback.
July 9, 2016
This is awesome Joe. I need to tack this one on my wall.
July 10, 2016
Hey! Thanks much. Someone may throw darts at it, too.