Don't Quit on God's Good Ideas

No Room in the Church Choir? No Problem!

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint" Isaiah 40:31.

Remembering Childhood "Good Ideas"

Think back to when you were a young child, maybe in elementary school. Did your parents think it would be a "good idea" for you to take piano lessons? Or playing the saxophone, trumpet, or drums in the school band. They could have encouraged you to play in sports or the school play. Most of us remember those days, some fondly and others not so much.

What is the difference in how we remember those early years? Perhaps it's because of how we perceived the "good idea." For example, if you said, "Hey Mom! I want to take piano lessons!" and she responded, "That would be a good idea!" your remembrance may be very different from your brother's. He said, "Mom thought it would be a good idea for me to learn to play that stinking piano because she was paying for your lessons."

Attitude and motivation make all the difference. Now, let's fast-forward back to the present. Let's say you loved playing the piano but quit when it got difficult.

Everyone said you had a "gift," but you didn't see it. You only saw the temporary pain of practice and sounding the same from one day to the next.

Have you ever wondered how your life would be different if you hadn't quit? Would you be performing in Carnegie Hall or somewhere in Vienna, Austria, or London? Who knows?

The Challenge of "What If"

Each of us has similar "what ifs" had we responded differently to "good ideas" of the past. But here's the thing…I've also worked with many people who stuck with the "good ideas" of well-intentioned others, continued learning and practicing, became "successful," and were depressed and suicidal.

That's what makes life so challenging and confusing. We don't have a crystal ball, so we can't see into the future to know if we should quit or keep going.

But let's apply what we know about "good ideas" to our walk with Christ, especially in areas of service.

Finding God's Good Ideas for Service

Many people have asked me, "What should I do to serve God?" "How do I discern what my gifts are and how to use them?" These questions relate directly to our "Don't Quit on God's Good Ideas" discussion. Let's simplify this process.

God loves you and He wants what is best for you.

God says,

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope" Jeremiah 29:11.

He has already given you His "good idea" for what He's calling you to do. And that calling is something you enjoy doing. Our earthly parents, Christian brothers and sisters, friends, and even pastors may have a "good idea" for your service, but if they ask you to play the piano, and you hate the piano, it's probably not God's good idea…it's their need for a piano player.

I know what you are thinking. Sometimes it's about doing what must be done despite how we feel, that's how we truly serve. Some believe the more miserable you are willing to be in the service of the Lord, the more "holy" you are perceived! No wonder we have so many Christians with frowns on their faces. They are going to play the piano when they would rather sing in the choir. All those piano lessons as a child became a curse in adulthood instead of a blessing.

Obviously, I'm having fun with this, but I'm serious when I say that you should also have fun with what you do to serve the Lord. God tells us as much.

God Loves a Cheerful Giver

Although the Apostle Paul was speaking to the believers in Corinth about contributing to the poor, we can extrapolate that God wants ALL of our giving (time, treasure, and talent) to be with joy.

"So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver" 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Discerning God's Good Ideas: Analysis Paralysis

When we are trying to distinguish God's good ideas from our own or others' good ideas, it can become debilitating and lead to analysis paralysis. This is where most people are when they ask the question, "What does God want me to do?"

As with financial giving, it's not about whether or not He wants us to give, He expects it. The question is, what are you willing to give cheerfully? I believe the same applies to service.

The church may need to replace their piano player, and you may be able to play, but without a cheerful heart, you are better off saying, "I'll mow the grass and take out the trash."

The church has a list of "help wanted" opportunities that may or may not be God's good idea for your service. So instead of wondering whose good idea this is, just do something you will do with joy. If it's NOT God's good idea, He will let you know.

Don't Quit on God's Good Ideas

I tell you the truth, my friend, I rarely worked with a client who was depressed, anxious, or suicidal, who had a passion for life. As a professor, I seldom found a graduate student who failed if he or she loved the "helping profession."

There was a clear alignment between their identity (who they are) and their actions (what they do). It's only when there is a misalignment that life gets unmanageable.

The same principle applies to serving the Lord. If we are aligned with God, then we don't need to worry about His good ideas because His ideas and our ideas are the same.

Then, it's just a matter of stepping out in faith, love, and joy, and serving Him to the best of your ability.

One more thing…don't worry if what you feel called to do seems a little crazy. Jesus had a way of doing some pretty crazy things, and we know how that worked out.

There will be opportunities for you to "suffer" and endure trials and tribulations. But to the degree that you can, live your life of service with joy!

And if you want to sing, and there's no more room on the choir stage, feel free to stand out on the street corner and make a joyous noise to the Lord. I promise I won't think you are insane!

Renewed Strength for the Journey

As Isaiah reminds us, "those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength." When we align ourselves with God's good ideas and serve with joy, we don't have to rely on our own limited energy. He provides the strength we need - sometimes we soar like eagles, sometimes we run without growing weary, and sometimes we simply walk without fainting. The key is not quitting on His plan, even when the path seems unclear or the work feels difficult.

Your Next Step

So here's my challenge to you: Stop overthinking God's calling and start stepping forward in faith. Look at the opportunities around you and ask yourself, "What can I do with genuine joy for the Lord?" Then do it. Trust that as you move forward with a cheerful heart, God will guide your steps and renew your strength for whatever He has planned.

What's one thing you can do this week to serve God with joy? Don't quit before you start - His good ideas for your life are worth discovering.