Sticking with your calling
I had the honor of emceeing our Nineties Worship Night event at the Museum of the Bible’s World Stage Theater earlier this month.
We had the pleasure of worshiping with Jeff Deyo, Charlie Hall, Lisa Nicole, and Brenton Brown, all incredibly gifted artists who were deeply involved in shaping the nineties worship movement. While the skill with which they still execute their craft was certainly a master class in and of itself, what struck me most about my time with them is that they are all committed to their calling over the long term.
They’re still serving churches, still mentoring others, still creating new art, still collaborating…still using their giftings to glorify the Lord. In other words, they’re still doing the things they did in the nineties! They’re in it for the long haul.
This is very inspiring (and humbling) to me, because when I have setbacks, it’s so tempting to want to quit what I’m doing, even if I believe firmly that it’s my calling. Undoubtedly these individuals have all had setbacks along their path, but they are still on the path.
“Keep showing up” is a popular quote that comes to mind, and I think it fits well here. This is what I want to do…to keep showing up…to keep serving…to keep answering the call…to stay on the path for the long haul.
Let’s encourage one another to do so!
Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)
Reflection Questions
Does the idea of sticking with your calling over the long term seem daunting to you like it does to me? If so, what scriptures do you find most helpful in giving you encouragement to persevere? I listed Philippians 4:13 above as one I lean on regularly.
Who in your own life reminds you of the artists I talk about above; people who have been faithful over time to pursue their God-given callings and continue to do so? Consider telling them how much you admire them (they would probably appreciate the encouragement) and asking them how they maintain such consistency despite difficulties and setbacks.