A stage is meant for performers. Its very existence is to be a platform from which actors, musicians and orators can be seen and heard.
That is why it seemed so sad to see an outdoor stage roped off with Keep Off signs.
There have been many times in my life I would have fought any desire to be seen on such a platform. It was easier to stay quiet and anonymous, no matter what desire had been planted within. I didn’t have the confidence to step into the talents and abilities God was nudging me to acknowledge.
In this way, my life was like the abandoned stage. The setting had been prepared but I was telling myself not to go there. I had placed a big Keep Off sign on the promptings that there may be more I could accomplish. What if I stepped up and my actions met with disapproval?
Jesus was relentless in his quest to be director of my life. He is teaching me not to be concerned with the thoughts of anyone but him. Stage fright is no excuse. A Bible promise I can count on says the Lord will be with me when I speak and will instruct me in what to say.
Every time I step onto the stage of my life and trust Jesus for direction I feel his applause. He is the only audience I need to please.
Then the LORD asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” (Exodus 4:11-12 NLT)