When I was in high school, my bestie asked me to accompany her in our school’s variety show. We would both sing, and I would play the piano. We chose a popular song at the time, “How Deep Is Your Love?” by the Bee Gees.
We spent hours practicing. On the night of the event, my heart was pounding. This was the largest audience I’d ever performed in front of and honestly, it was my friend who had the voice, not me.
While I was shaking in my boots on that stage, it was not the first time I’d done so. Every spring, I would play in a piano recital and so I had exposure to performing. This was just a step up – a big step.
By God’s grace, we pulled it off though I do believe my microphone was turned off! (Again, God’s grace toward the people in the audience!) It’s a fond memory we both look back on with fondness.
It can be scary to step out in a big way like my friend and I did. Fear of rejection or ridicule keeps many people from getting out of their comfort zones and trying new things. The result? They stay stuck, leading small lives filled with regret of what could’ve been.
We each have a dream in our hearts, a purpose to fulfill. How do I know this? Because God doesn’t create anything that doesn’t have a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). Our job is to find out what it is, and then walk it out as best we can.
How do we do this?
We can get a hint of our purpose by looking at our natural gifts and talents. That’s a great place to start. As we develop these either through study or experience or both, we will be led to opportunities to use them in some way.
As we hone our skills, and ask God to lead us, more doors will open and before you know it, we are doing what God intended us to do, feeling fulfilled because we are serving others with the gifts we have been given.
Isn’t that what the apostles did? Each was tasked with sharing the Good News of Jesus throughout the nations. Each stepped out and did it in their own unique way. Each was successful. Just open your Bible to any page of the New Testament and you’ll see their success.
The apostles were just regular people: fishermen, tax collectors, doctors, tent makers. Ordinary people called to do extraordinary things – exactly what God specializes in.
What is God calling you to do? Have you asked Him? If not, why not?
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-17 NKJV)
Here’s what I know for sure. The world needs what you have. Don’t keep it to yourself.
The stage is yours!