But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
For the past month I’ve noticed how my bamboo plant was getting too big for its container. If a plant is too big for its container, it inhibits growth. I read that the size of the plant is proportional to the care it gets. Also, if it doesn’t have the proper water, it will run out of nutrients. Last week I finally pulled out a really cool type of mug that matched my bedroom and got the plant moved.
Did you know that we could become stunted in faith like a plant becomes stunted? Our nutrients come from the Word of God. Are we getting enough food for our knowledge to grow? We grow by spending time with God in prayer, reading the Bible, and obeying what it says. People say, “But I don’t know what to say, I don’t understand what it means, and the people around me make it difficult to obey.”
It’s ok to feel inferior because we all are. God isn’t worried about how we start out, He sees us as we will become! If you can only say, “Help!” during your prayer time, do it. Begin to get wisdom in Proverbs and search out resources to help you. If people around you make it difficult to obey, are you around the right friends? My point is, take the step and don’t quit! Check out this story:
THE MASTER’S HAND
Wishing to encourage her young son’s progress on the piano, a mother took the small boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked “NO ADMITTANCE.”
When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy’s ear, “Don’t quit, keep playing.”
Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obligatio. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was mesmerized.
That’s the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren’t exactly graceful flowing music. But with the hand of the Master, our life’s work truly can be beautiful. Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, “Don’t quit, keep playing.” Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are playing the concerto of your life. Remember, God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.
Author Unknown
Proverbs 1:5 tells us the wise listen and add to their learning, and the discerning get guidance. The opposite of the wise is a fool, and I know I don’t want to be put into that category. I’m going to start growing, and if my surroundings are too small for that growth, I’m going to make my surroundings bigger. No excuses!
Today God is calling you. He doesn’t need you to come equipped; just show up and he’ll equip you to thrive!
