I have a story to tell you.
A story that has the potential to change your life today.
There once was a young man named Bob. Bob loved God and felt a strong calling to serve the body of Christ as a worship leader.
For many years, he was a worship pastor, serving his local church. Eventually he became a teacher at a local Bible college and continued to spread his passion for worship to the next generation.
But then something happened. Bob developed a condition on his vocal chords and had to undergo surgery. During the procedure the doctor made a mistake and left permanent scarring on Bob’s voice.
He was in tremendous pain and has continued in that pain for 19 years. Bob hasn’t been able to sing for all these years. Speaking is a painful process which can only be attempted for a couple hours a day.
His dreams of being a worship leader were shattered.
You wouldn’t blame Bob for getting angry at God and retreating in despair – for giving up. But you know what happened to Bob?
Bob went on to author 16 books, some even becoming bestsellers. He is a popular conference speaker and has spoken into the lives of many thousands of people. Matter of fact, your worship team has probably benefited from Exploring Worship.
But this story isn’t about Bob Sorge. It’s about you.
What Influential People Have In Common
What is it about lives that change others? Lives that inspire? Lives that make a difference?
They get up.
They stare uncomfortable in the face until it cringes.
They embrace risk like an old friend.
They’re not afraid of pain.
There are millions of people like this. But even more who are not.
You see, there’s a lie we believe. That lie says those with the most talent win. Those who work the hardest have the greatest influence. Those with the most money are the most inspiring.
Talent is helpful.
Hard work is essential.
Money helps.
But those who turn their pain on its face and use it to their advantage are the ones who inspire a generation.
It’s encouraging to see someone with a debilitating disease push through it and not let it hold them back.
It’s empowering to see the power of God made perfect in someone’s weakness.
What Will Your Story Be?
Are you getting up? Or has the pain of your experiences shut you down? Have you given up without declaring it? Have you chosen the easier path of insulating yourself from future pain?
It’s easier to push back from what seems painful – to choose the easier path. But great character and great influence isn’t developed during easy.
How you respond to pain will determine the strength of your legacy.
Consider this post a challenge to get up again. Pain is inevitable. A new day will bring with it new challenges and new disappointments. Prepare yourself for that. And make the decision now that you’ll get up.
Future generations will be inspired by how you got up again. Don’t waste this opportunity.
We’re cheering you on.
Question: In what ways are you “getting up”? What challenges are you overcoming today? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
For further reading:
- Check out Julien Smith’s new book, “The Flinch“. It’s a fantastic read and FREE for a limited time.
- Read everything Bob Sorge has ever written. You won’t be disappointed. Check out his ministry here.
People will tell you that getting up is the hard part…
the getting out of bed is the hardest…
If we can take it one day at a time…and just think about the getting out of bed…with a little faith in God…nothing is impossible!
Amen Arny! Ever day…just take one more step.
Beautiful and inspiring post David. One day I’ll write about some of the painful things, but I’m still processing how to do that in an edifying way. Peace to you!
That definitely can take time.
Look forward to hearing it, Rob. I’m sure God is doing great things.
Thank you for this post, it is timely for me. Lately I have been questioning the madness of trying to get my book published. The world keeps telling me how difficult it will be, but God keeps whispering to keep going.
Thank you for encouraging me today.
Let me encourage you too. Keep going! The world needs to read this 🙂
A great post followed by great comments. But in my case, the challenges sometimes goes a bit beyond just what I’m trying to do up to even what my beliefs are. And it gets worse when I resign to whatever comes my way rather than getting up and making the changes and choices that needs to be made. Thanks for this post.
No problem, David. Thanks for sharing. I struggle with the same problem of being a victim of my circumstances rather than pushing through and making something happen. Thanks for the challenge.