Wednesday, January 13, 2010

A Lifetime of Practice


The music is beautiful. Her fingers move effortlessly over the black and white keys. She's practiced for years and it shows. There were times over the years that she wanted to quit. But we encouraged her to persevere. Piano lessons and countless hours of practice have made the difference.


Tackling an instrument is challenging. It takes a willingness to learn from the teacher. It takes discipline. It takes practice. And more practice. Hours of practice. Years of practice. Our daughter, Riley, has been able to use her talent to accompany school and church choirs, in addition to playing for our families' personal enjoyment.


There's an unmistakable similarity between the musician and the child of God. I have to be willing to learn from the Master. He bids me to humble myself before Him, "Submit yourselves therefore to God" (James 4:7a; KJV). An attitude of humility is pleasing to Him. "...God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" (James 4:6b). It is when I'm aware that I don't know it all that I'm in the perfect position to learn.


Discipline is required. Oh, the lessons He desires to teach me, if I stay pliable in His hands. "But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand" (Isaiah 64:8). Discipline to stay in the Potter's hand rather than jumping down. Discipline to stay in His hand with my eyes focused on His, refusing to look at all the other lovely vessels He's crafted. Discipline to allow Him to lovingly mold me into the shape of His choosing, rather than suggest to Him the type of vessel I should be.


Christ speaks to the level of discipline required of the child of God. "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23). For the serious musician, other pursuits have to take a back seat. The same is true of Christians. Am I denying myself? Am I daily taking up the cross He has for me? Am I following Him closely? What is my top priority? My agenda or His? All questions that help to determine how disciplined I am.


Practice, practice, practice. I'm thankful that our Heavenly Father graciously gives us a lifetime of practice. He knows our "frame; he remembereth that we are dust" (Psalm 103:14). He is the ultimate encourager. "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest" (Joshua 1:9). He forgives us when we fail. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). He graciously allows us to start over. "And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more" (John 8:11).


Ultimately, our lifetime of practice will end in perfect 'music' in heaven. Until then, stay humbly submitted to the Master and continue to practice. Your 'music' will be 'heard' by others. May the sweet sounds of a life lived for Christ, lead others to Him!

12 comments:

  1. Practice, practice, practice. So true. Even as an adult, it's true. Thanks for the beautiful message!

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  2. What a wonderful devotion Maria. He has all we need to be all we should be. If we would just stay the course.

    Thank you for sharing this.

    blessings,
    Vickie

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  3. Wonderful post!
    I love the last paragraph...as a song writer, I want my 'music' to be heard, but more important, I pray that the music of my life is pleasing to my Lord.

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  4. It's hard to live a disciplined life--but so worth it! I am so thankful for grace!

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  5. I love the song "Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in your ears..." beautiful post. I see you are in ohio! we are currently pastoring in Dayton. :)

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  6. Lovely post! I am so thankful that He equips us for His purpose. We know that practice will, with certainty, lead to success.

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  7. Hi Maria -

    I love reading your posts. :)

    There's a purpose for all that practice, and the end result is well worth the effort.

    Blessings,
    Susan

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  8. Jill - In the midst of practice, it's easy to get discouraged. Thank God that He walks with us one step at a time and gives us encouragement all along the way. God bless!

    Vickie - I am thankful He is all we need!! Have a blessed day!

    Karen - Sometimes an "Amen!" says it all!! Thank you!! God bless!

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  9. Deborah - I love getting to know my readers! It's so neat that you write music! Thanks for sharing your insight! God bless you as you use your talent for Him!

    Kristen - As the years roll by, I'm so thankful for a 'long-suffering' God! Discipline does not come naturally, but I'm glad for the many opportunities to 'practice.' God bless!

    Jenilee - Welcome! So glad you stopped by! I love that song, too - is it 'I Love You, Lord?'

    So neat to see that your ministry is in Dayton. We actually live in Georgia now, but get back to the Dayton area a couple times a year to visit family and friends!

    Please stop by again soon! I post on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. God bless you!

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  10. Lily - Thanks for the sweet comment! He definitely equips us with all that's necessary for the call He extends to us. Knowing that success is a guarantee is envigorating, isn't it?! Blessings to you!

    Terri - Thanks for stopping by! God bless you today!!

    Susan - Thank you for your sweet words! God is so good! I'm glad our 'practice' is for a purpose. May He receive all the glory! Have a fantastic day!

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