Have you ever felt like there's no way you can possibly do the very thing God has called you to do?
As one jar of clay to another, I confess that my weakness, my inability, my awareness of my own shortcomings propel me into God's arms like nothing else. I cling to Him more tightly, lean on Him more often, and strain to hear His voice like never before.
The other day my family went to the movies, and I'm convinced that I was there specifically to see one of the commercials:
A husband and wife arrive at a crowded performing arts theater. As they take their seats, each asks the other where their little son is. The wife thought the husband had the boy; the husband thought the boy was with his mom. That's when they both notice their son--up on the stage, seated at the grand piano. The parents both slink down in their seats while the audience murmurs.
A spotlight glaring on him, the little boy begins playing a simple song with just two fingers. The audience becomes irritated. The red-faced parents freeze in their seats. Suddenly, a tall man wearing a tuxedo glides in from the stage wings...obviously he is the star everyone has come to see and hear play the piano. The entire audience sits, gape-mouthed, wondering what the famous musician will do. He strides toward the grand piano, bends down and whispers into the little boy's ear, "Keep playing."
Standing behind the little boy, the musician places his arms on either side of him to reach the piano keys and begins playing a startlingly beautiful rendition of the childish song. The audience gasps. Together, the world famous musician and the little boy play on. Smiles break out across the audience. Glorious music sweeps through the theater.
The song ends on a spectacular note, and the little boy looks up at the musician with a grin. Together they take a bow before a standing ovation.
That is the power of God behind us. Whether we're pouring ourselves into homeschooling, a business, our family, a neighborhood Bible study or a national ministry...whatever He directs us to do...He rewards our childlike faith and our feeble efforts with His spectacular presence.
God whispers, and our hearts take courage.
He stands behind us, and a watching world smiles.
How about you? What is God whispering to you? How is He helping you?
Enjoy this slightly edited post from my archives while I prepare for and attend the She Speaks conference!
14 comments:
How lovely! That's a great illustration of God's power behind us. Thanks for sharing it, Julie!
Oh Julie, I love that image! God, slipping in behind us, joining our playing, making our music so much more beautiful! Lovely.
Amen and amen, Julie. Blessings to you from another jar of clay!
Julie, I love that. I will remember that illustration. Made me smile. Thanks.
I am simply and utterly awestruck and dumbfounded... This message just spoke to my heart telling me that God is doing that very thing for me "now". Yes, I struggle.. a lot.
What a beautiful illustration! Comforting to know that I'm not going it alone on my life's stage, and a poignant reminder that whatever small thing I might achieve, He's the Master who gets the glory.
Oh wow! I love this too!! Perfect! I like thinking of God standing behind me carrying me through something. Like speaking--can't at all! But would need every ounce of courage I could muster to do it!
What a sweet story and a powerful truth. He whispers to me through nature, through God-given friends, so many ways. And I'm so thankful!
I've been traveling but am back in pocket again, so I'll be visiting more often. Hope you're doing well, Julie.
I'm still tickled by how God moved in you through the commercial shown at the movie!!
I recently finished "One in a Million" a study of Exodus by Priscilla Shirer. She brought home the point to look for the miracles that God does. I took exception to her use of 'miracles'. But, over a short time, I could see that God was working in my very life in "unexpected" ways, just as He completely and miraculous worked in the lives of the Israelites in bringing them to the Promised Land!
When we embrace that the God who created us is constantly working in "unexpected" ways to further His Kingdom, that's when we come to understand that we have been chosen and created for His purposes, and He will give us what is required (and more!) in all that we do.
Keep walking in faith, Julie! Oh, the plans He has for you.....
Julie,
Thank you for your comment on the She Speaks blog as I have spent the last 1 1/2 hours reading your blog. You are an inspiration and God definately spoke to me through your words. In reading your bio information, our past are so similiar. I am sorry to hear of your pain. This year will be my first year at the She Speaks...and I am way out of my comfort zone. I was sharing with a friend, I have no idea why I am going...I am just trusting and keeping my eyes on God. Thank you for sharing your journey. I agree with so many others that have posted with comments--you are very gifted.
Great illustration Julie. I'm so glad I popped over to your blog. Looking forward to meeting you face to face at She Speaks in a few days. Glad to know the Pre-Conference Call Summary was helpful. :-)
amen, amen, amen!! i've stepped out in faith and am moving to Mali, West Africa next year (always felt called to be a missionary ever since i was a little girl). it is the hardest thing i've ever done, but i'm learning to rely on Him like never before.
I see this clip over and over on TV. I love it and never get tired of seeing it. What a great illustration of God encouraging us and joining us in making beautiful music--surrounded by a cloud of witnesses!
Julie, You have no idea how much I needed your post today about letting go of what I have!! Thank you!
From there I kept reading the posts I've missed...loved your thoughts from She Speaks! Your closing words reminded me of my thoughts from two years ago, it should be called He Speaks because that weekend in NC He didn't stop!!
Then on to your words here, "one jar of clay to another"...Clay is our new little guy's middle name! Throughout this pregnancy I was reminded time and time again that I am clay in the Potter's hands - the lesson hasn't ended with the delivery, so thanks for putting it in such a beautiful way!!
Blessings to you,
Jill
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