Back in the day. Back then. You know, what you used to do.
That’s what people like to rely on. It’s comfortable, we can glamorize and romanticize it, and truth be told-it can keep us from stepping out now.
What do I mean? Let me give you an example from pop music.
Whitney Houston, one of the greatest female vocalists of all time, embarked on a world tour to promote her new record. This is a woman who 20 years ago could bring tears to a grown man’s eyes. Her voice was known all across the globe, and she could sing “Happy Birthday” and make it sound like a multi-platinum hit song.
But she went on this world tour in 2010, and honestly she wasn’t what she used to be. It was so bad that she actually got booed off the stage in Australia, and people were demanding their money back. Why?
Because Whitney was touring based on the image of what she used to do, not what she was doing now.
The truth is, God works in the now. He is redeeming us now, he is healing and forgiving now. And we are image bearers of God, and we are called to reflect Him into this world.
But Andrew, what does that look like for us? What does that mean?
Well, I’m glad you asked.
It means that today, now, you should be creatively pursuing God and how you can give Him glory. It means that today, now, you should be disciplined and working hard to become better at what He has called you to do. What you did last year, 5 years ago, 10 years ago for God is wonderful! But it shouldn’t stop then. It should be happening now.
Did you write a song for Him then? Did you memorize tons of verses then? Did you practice hard then? Well then, nice job!
BUT-
Write a song now. Share your faith now. Pursue God now. Give Him glory now.
And when you do those things now, watch and see how God works in you and through you!
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20
-Andrew Wooddell
Andrew
This is SO true, in fact, last night I heard a story about an amazing musician who was at the height of his career, he then decided to stop playing and start teaching. When someone asked him why did he do that, at the top of his career, his answer was that “i was told from a very young age, practice until you are good enough to teach it”; at the top of his career, he thought he was then good enough to teach. What God has been pointing out in the past weeks is that the past is constantly happening, without us even thinking about it. The past should be somewhat of an inspiration to do better, however, don’t stay so focused on it that it stops you from going forward. LOVE your message. Keep on keeping, Blessings from the Father.