If there’s one thing I’ve learned on the World Race, it’s that God works in mysterious, weird, crazy ways. He gives you pieces of your puzzle that don’t connect until later on, sometimes years later, when he gives you some more pieces that connect with the original pieces to make a picture. Even still, the small picture you have isn’t the full, big picture you will have at the end of your life.
Let me tell you about the picture I found in the Philippines:
I’ve played guitar since I was 8 years old. At first I just learned how to read sheet music, but after awhile, I was at a junior high conference and heard God speak to me about leading worship. Though I was shy and felt inadequate, I started to learn how to strum chords, sing, and how to put a music set together. I experienced Abba’s presence on those stages like I hadn’t before and I was blessed to be part of a church that allowed me to use my gifts at a young age. I played in multiple Christian music bands, took hours and hours of lessons, and poured my heart into leading worship.
As I continued this, however, my heart was aching. I lost my love for guitar, being in a band, and leading worship. I had my confidence shattered multiple times by people who had different opinions than me. I lost sight of what was important. Eventually, I just stopped altogether.
I stopped when I switched churches after my second year of college. I no longer lead worship and didn’t want to be part of my new church’s worship team as I would have to commit both days of my weekend to practice and “performance.” I didn’t see myself as a musician nor a worship leader, so I stopped playing.
And then I went on the World Race. I didn’t bring my guitar – I didn’t play enough to justify carrying it to 11 counties.
The first several months passed and I played a handful of times, but God, in His sneakiness, had other plans.
Then Month 8 happened…Malaysia…
My team had the opportunity to serve in St. Nicholas’ Home for Blind. Me and my friend, Katie, lead music for their Friday chapel services with Samantha, one of the residents of the Home. My favorite times of that month were when we spent hours practicing and playing music together. On a few occasions, I just sat there and cried while Samantha played “Mariage D’Amour” on piano. I have never heard anyone play as beautifully as her and it started to set my musical heart in motion.
Now, fast forward about 2 weeks to the Philippines, Month 9. My parents just left from their week doing ministry with me and Wipe Every Tear and I walked into another all squad month.
I had heard a rumor about a guitar lesson ministry but knowing the nature of the Race, didn’t get my hopes up for these consistently changing ministries. When I found out it was actually happening, my heart leapt for joy. I was so excited to 1) teach others an instrument that has been such a big part of my life, and 2) teach with some people on my squad.
I started teaching, but more importantly, I started playing again. I played a couple of hours each day because I WANTED to. I started to enjoy playing guitar again. I have to be honest and risk cheesiness when I say that there was a part of my heart that came alive when I played guitar in the Philippines.
He added fuel to the fire of worship in my heart. Through my time playing and teaching guitar, he made clear His next path of CGA (Center for Global Action) for me. He showed me in Manila, Philippines, that my story isn’t over. He uses all things to bring Him glory and guitar is just another thing He is using.
I never cease being amazed at the sneakiness of God’s timing and way of leading me further down His path for me. He puts my puzzle together in such a way as to remind me that He is creative and has my best at heart.
So, my sneaky Jehovah has led me again to the path of worship for my life. I am continuing on that path as I begin the Worship track at CGA in January.
But I need your help! Please consider financially partnering with me in this next season with Adventures in Missions. I need over $10,000 to make this a reality. You can support me by clicking on the “Support Me” tab on my blog page. Please consider this. Thank you so much!
