We all make mistakes. I certainly make my share of them. Anyone at Discovery Church on Sunday who saw the band smirking at me during the closing song would probably realize I was in the middle of a big mistake.
I had just accompanied Louise on piano for a song at the close of the message, after which we launched into the closing song. The problem was I'd used the transpose function on the keyboard to put the song in a more comfortable range for the soloist and forgot to move it back up before starting the congregational song. As a result, I was playing the song in one key - the wrong key - while the band was trying to play in the right key.
The band immediately realized what was going on and were able to adapt, so not many people knew what happened. The experience, however, reinforced what I already knew to be true. Shortcuts often lead to trouble. We try to cut corners and save time and only end up hurting for it.
Bob Kauflin, the Director of Worship Development at Sovereign Grace Ministries, and author of the Worship Matters blog, posted a hirlarious video yesterday that hit home for me. You can read his post here. Bob reminds us that God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, as Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians:
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Take it from someone who has learned by hard experience: avoid the shortcuts. But if you do not, and if you fail, know that God's love for you will not waver. He will lift you up and set your feet on solid ground, and put a new song in your heart. Let's glorify the one who can use these imperfect vessels to do his work and draw all people to himself.
"God of love and everlasting patience, I praise you for your kindness toward me. You know my weaknesses, and yet you love me. You knew my sins, and yet you saved me. Let your name be glorified in all that I do. Even in my weakness, and even when I fall, you are strong and your purposes will prevail. Show me the plans you've prepared for me, God, and lead me by the light of your truth. I commit my life and my life's work to you for your honor and glory, forever. Amen."
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