She told the story of how in one of her first album cover shoots, she was having her makeup done and overheard the makeup artists basically talking trash about her appearance. It affected her so much that she had to take a moment and just go cry it out. She then went on to empower the many young women that were at the conference by telling us that we could do anything. She said that we were indeed capable of doing something great for God despite what anyone says or will say.
As a high schooler, it really meant something to have a musician say something like that. I was pumped up! My self-confidence was boosted because the person who had done such a great job leading an entire auditorium full of girls and women in worship had just informed me that I have what it takes do really do something big! This was said at the end of the show, so after she said that, we all filed out and went to our cars to prepare to go back home. Two chaperones and I were waiting in the car while the rest of our group was inside either going to the bathroom or buying merchandise. It was freshman/sophomore me in the car with two moms. And what one of the mom's said is the one fact of the story that I can retell with complete accuracy.
They start talking about the end of the conference, and one of the women comments "Yah, she (the women who lead worship and spoke at the end) was really great! I even almost started getting swept away when she started telling everybody that they could do something great for God!" She spoke as if because she was older and a mom, that she really knew that that was all just a bunch of meaningless fluff. I was livid when she said this. I didn't really have any relationship with her. I didn't know this mother. But at that moment, I definitely did not like her anymore. What the artist had said was true, and I knew it deep in my spirit. There was nothing to stop me from doing something great, something worthwhile with God. I know I was young, but when you finally hear and accept a truth from God, it doesn't matter how old you are. I was able to understand the heartbeat of God because of the word spoken over everyone at the conference, and I purposed in my mind that exact moment NOT to let my flame be snuffed by this mother's cynicism.
Sadly, that is how much of the world views things. Even though people do great things every day, they have zero faith that that sort of greatness is for them or those around them. In fact, to them, believing that you could achieve something out of the ordinary is lofty and foolish. People that aspire to do something bigger than themselves are kidding themselves, and their hopes and dreams are childish. But that's not what God tells us. Philippians 4:13, "For I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". All things. I'll say that again ALL things. If God has purposed in your heart to be a singer, then you should pursue that dream. If God put it in your heart to own your own successful business, don't listen to those who try to tell you that the economy is too bad. Go with God, and do it! I could go on and on, artists, authors, athletes, salesman, military! If God places it in your heart, He WILL be faithful to complete it! No ifs and's or buts!
Lately, the people that I meet are usually in one of two places. They either have huge visions for themselves, or they feel like they are qualified only for the bare minimum that life has to offer. But the thing is, the only thing that separates the one person from the other is faith. You don't need to be particularly great to be qualified for greatness. Let me just debunk that useless myth right now. The people in the Bible that God used were constantly flawed. Jeremiah was fearful but was a warrior. Noah had a drinking problem but manned a vessel big enough to save all of God's creation. Moses hated public speaking and lead all of Israel on a massive exodus! If you really look, you'll find story after story of unlikely people being used by God for amazing things.
If what God has placed in your heart deviates from the norm, or sounds like too much work, people will try and discourage you from doing it. They will even look down on you or try to sway you towards something safer or more achievable. And to be honest, they are right. What they say you should do will probably be much safer, quieter, duller, and ultimately easier. But that's not the life that God has for us. God is in the business of extraordinary lives built out of circumstances that seem like they should have crashed and burned. But they don't, and that brings God glory! It glorifies God to step out in faith and do something that has a high percentage of failure. And that's all you need to do. Have faith. Step out.
And don't forget, Jesus had haters too. His own family talked down to him and the Bible says that they didn't believe him. If you are going the radical way of living for God and doing what He wills, then you are almost guaranteed to have people along the way telling you exactly why you should not be doing what you are doing. But the trick is to not focus on them. Don't even focus on the ominous task ahead. Keep your gaze locked in on God, because He will be the one encouraging you and softly telling you too keep going and to trust in Him. And by his power, we can do things greater than anyone has yet to imagine.
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