I'm not as brave as I seem - not in myself, anyway.
I thought back to all the years I'd sung and spoke at different events.
Yes, I went through this every time.
Butterflies.
But, butterflies are ok.
Another artist told me a long time ago, if you lose the butterflies then you've lost the quality of excellence, and the passion.
There were times when it was more than butterflies.
When I first started playing the piano in public, there were times my fingers would freeze, and I couldn't play. I'd sit there trying to get my fingers to hit familiar keys, panic setting in.
Or, I'd start to sing, and my throat would close and nothing would come out.
Those were not fun times.
I did overcome.
I spent time in prayer and had to tell the old nemesis he had no power over me.
I could do all things through Christ who strengthened me.
That was many years ago.
Then, yesterday came.
I was fine.
I was ready.
But, when people started coming in and taking their seats, I felt the old nemesis poking at my ribs.
"You're going to freeze up. Your fingers aren't going to move. You're going to hit all the wrong keys. You're not going to be able to sing. You're not going to hit those high notes -
you're going to fail,
fail,
fail,
fail."
My chest started to feel tight.
My hands started to sweat.
No.
It couldn't happen.
So, I prayed, taking the authority that belonged to me in Christ.
I was free from torment.
No, it wouldn't have control of me.
I could do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Maybe there is some invisible enemy tormenting you,
trying to stop you from doing what you know in your heart to do.
Trying to stop you from pursuing the dream you hold dear.
You have authority over the enemy of your soul.
There is One bigger, who is always there to encourage you, to strengthen you.
He joys over you with singing
He loves you.
You belong to Him
I do, too.
Yesterday went well.
I played and sang.
I thanked Him for the gift, for the ability, for the grace.
I had to hit the first key, and he was there.
Remember,
You can do all things through Christ who is your strength. Philippians 4:13
Think about it.
What are your goals, dreams?
Take the risk.
He is faithful.
