And now it’s your turn?

In my youth, I spent almost every summer on tour for 4 weeks with a professional and modern gospel choir that performed concerts for large audiences at a different location in Europe each night.

It all started with a very intense rehearsal camp in the Netherlands. I was especially nervous about the solo audition because that’s when it was decided who would get which solo. And of course, everyone wanted one of the two beautiful ballads. friend, it was such a huge pain for me that others were always chosen for the ballads. Always someone else!

Do you know what that feels like in your life, friend?

There were nights during those concerts when I stood on stage, fighting so hard inside. The jealousy was overwhelming, and so was the disappointment. Especially when the audience would erupt in applause after the ballads, and the singer would turn back to us—the choir—with a big smile.

friend, those moments hurt. But they don’t have to.

Today, I know that God couldn’t give me that spot back then because I needed to first go through the school of humility. It was important to Him to see if I would keep singing even if I didn’t have a solo. Was I singing to honor Him, or did I need it for my ego?

And in the end, I chose to bless the ballad singer while the audience applauded, and to trust God.

How God has rewarded that in my life is something I get to experience today. And there are still new areas where I must continually adopt this attitude: Bless… and keep living in trust for God’s timing.

friend, God has NOT overlooked you! He’s simply asking you: “Will you keep singing in your life, even if you don’t have a solo? Will you do it to honor ME?”

“For the Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with victory. Let His faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds.” (Psalm 149: 4-5 NIV)

You are a miracle!