Wait Just A Minute! Isaiah 40:31

6/18/2009

“Those who wait upon the Lord, shall run and not grow weary, shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31

So let’s think about this…how is your career going?  I’d like to challenge you to actively wait.  (Was that actively  wait???)  Yes.  When you actively wait, you adjust your situation to God’s purpose.  You take the spotlight off of you, and focus on God. 

Consider these things to adjust your mind to your present circumstances:

1.     Don’t thirst only for the spotlight- make ‘em laugh wherever you go. 

A Pastor recently told me that God is most often in the small things.  He rarely reveals Himself in flashy ways….he loves to confound the wise by making much out of little.  When we adjust our thoughts to merely pleasing God with our talents---shining where we are---making people laugh, little by little….we can be happier.  Years ago I found great happiness in going room to room at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, singing and doing silly songs to make the sick kids laugh.  Then for years I went every Thursday to do programs for a nursing home.  I made so many friends and found out that Senior Citizens have amazing power to laugh, love, and reciprocate humor.

2.     Cease to compare yourself with others. 

The gift within you is uniquely God given for YOU.  It is the way your Heavenly Father wants to be glorified.  By continually comparing your career to someone else’s ….you risk never measuring up….facing discouragement…..paralyzing yourself to the point of giving up.  Wouldn’t satan love to get you to give up—to no longer make people laugh?  Learn to celebrate another comedian’s success, not coveting the opportunities they have been given.  Do what the Word says, “rejoice in all things.”

3.     Live continuously learning, growing.

Each day strive to learn something new.  Research something new on the internet.  Jot some new ideas….pray about how they could fit into your program.  Use the Holy Spirit as a resource for new material.  Read God’s word and pray for the Spirit of the living God to reveal something funny, interesting, or enjoyable that you can share. 

4.     Embrace failure as your friend.

You will learn in failure what you will never learn through success.  Seek honest counsel about your skills and abilities.  Be willing to listen to criticism---and change your “act” if someone tells you your material is not really funny or is offensive.  I take comfort in the fact that Romans 8:28, tells us that all things work together for good….to those who love God.  Whew!  Be willing to learn from your failure.

5.     Count any opportunity to make people laugh a gift! 

If anyone allows you to exercise your God given talents, it is a gift.  Be a faithful steward.  Work hard, practice your material, strive to do what you do with excellence.  Seek to have a humble spirit.   One of the most common thoughts about comedians, is that they are people of arrogance.  Don’t let your material be “all about you”.  Consider your audience, their needs and ultimately what God would have you present to them.  Any opportunity to share with humor is a gift to be treasured, not callously thrown around. 

Take comfort in this:

“The Lord will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to us when we are weary, and increases our power when we are weak“.  Isaiah 40: 28b-29

Kay DeKalb-Smith
CCA Women's Chaplain