Several years ago, we were scheduled for a concert in Montville, PA, called the Art & Soul Café. It was a pretty long drive, about an hour for us. We set up for the concert and since we were so far away from our normal circles, everyone that was there had never heard us before. It was in the early years of the band when my kids were playing with me. I was so nervous to perform back then! It was a good crowd for being so far away, and I was happy with the turn out.
Well, we started the concert and in about the third row was this guy who did not seem to care for our music. His body language said it all. His arms were crossed and he just seemed to stare at me throughout the entire concert. I could only hope that the messages of my songs would touch his heart and he would meet God there at that concert. Many times, little things like this would frazzle me… and this was no exception. I had a hard time concentrating on what I was supposed to sing and play. I really don’t remember how that concert really went other than that.
At the end of the concert, as were packing up, this man came up to me and proceeded to tell me how much he enjoyed the concert and he really liked our music! I was so shocked! I was so convinced that he had probably been forced to be there by his wife or something. It turned out, his wife was the pastor of the church!
Sometimes in life we tend to assume we know what others are thinking and we make up all kinds of stories in our heads. This was a lesson to me that I don’t know what others are thinking and even if they look like they are unhappy or don’t want to be there, I can be a blessing. No matter what. This ministry is for the lost and seeking and I never know who might end up in the audience that God put there for a reason. I have to remember that I am there to minister and let God and the Holy Spirit take it where They want it to go.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
It’s the same in our lives. We are an example to others around us and we cannot know what is in their mind or in their heart. You may be the only hint of Jesus that person has ever experienced. Make sure you live each day as if you are where you are for a purpose and live a life pleasing to God so that you can shine for others to see God in you. God does have a plan for you. And your plan is a part of a bigger plan – God’s Master Plan.