Three Cents Worth

At church last week, a story was told about a preacher who had decided to add on an orchestra pit to his churches new sanctuary. I guess he’d expected an orchestra to find its way to him by the time it was done but, unfortunately, by the time it was complete, there was no one to play in it. It just sat there empty and it aggravated him.

The story went on to say that he began to curse the pit and whenever he walked by it he’d think, “What a stupid decision.” or “that thing is always going to be empty.” And it was during one of these times that he felt God tell him that instead of cursing it, he should bless it. The man felt convicted and so he began to bless the thing every time he passed. And so, in a few months’ time, musicians found their way to his church and music was made.

As I sat listening to this, I clearly heard God say, “A creative outlet is your orchestra pit. That is the thing you need to bless and not curse.” Now, if you don’t me, I’m a very creative person and it’s been discouraging to be at such a good church, with so many gifted people, but have no place to use my gifting’s. But I realized that (internally) I complained a lot and that I needed to stop - that complaining only enables more discouragement to take root.

The prophetic is all about calling things into existence, so why not call into existence a substantial creative outlet right here in Iowa? I’m going to begin to pray that in.

Question for the audience: what’s your orchestra pit? What thing(s) in your life seem barren and your first reaction is to agree with the barrenness? Whatever problems you’re facing, remember that we’re a prophetic people and we’re privileged to speak to things as they are going to be and not as they currently are. Bless the places of emptiness in your life!

And, you’ll see, the orchestra pit will have its orchestra soon enough….