Zech 4:6-10
This is a favorite verse of Keith over at Indieheaven, which he uses to say something to the effect of “Don’t be frustrated with where God has planted you, even if it’s not where you want to be.” I don’t know if that’s a precise and careful exegesis of what the text really says, but I’m finding more and more evidence of this attitude of relying on God in my own life lately, and it’s really encouraging.
Carla and I had a long talk about our music tonight, and where we see it heading. Those of you who have seen the gig calendar on the main site lately might notice that we don’t really have any concerts scheduled after the upcoming one in Attleboro this Friday. A few months ago, I’d have been anxious to get back on track and get some more bookings. I mean, musicians don’t get hugely popular by just sitting around, do they? Now, I’m OK with where we are. Reality and circumstance dictate where we are. Our hearts dictate how we respond to that place.
I’m finding it’s even applicable in my day-to-day nonmusical life, as well. I’ve been reading John Piper’s book Don’t Waste Your Life, which is a wake-up call to the world to stop living for trivial things and start living for the gospel of Christ. He uses illustrations of people doing extraordinary things once they put aside the stupid stuff that clutters their lives and makes them ineffective ministers of God’s grace. I’ve been reading it during my lunch hour at work, and it’s a really convicting read. I leave the lunchroom on fire and ready to give up my life for the work of God. Then, I return to a gray cubicle to answer phone calls and emails, and maybe stuff some envelopes. It seems like hardly the noble way of sacrifice Piper writes about…or is it? Sometimes the greatest ministry is just stacking chairs or cleaning up faithfully. Why not stuffing envelopes?
So, instead of striving to achieve what the world deems as “success,” we wait in the peace of God’s plan. I guess the days of small things aren’t so undesirable after all…