by Ken Lim
Music – I have loved music for as long as I can remember. Since young, I have been drawn to music and loved to sing. I recall my sister and I would lie on the floor and imagined that we were performing on a stage, as we danced and sang as if we had a room full of audience.
Before I became a Christian, I thought music was one of the best things in the world. All the while, I had the impression that I could sing well, because I often received good feedback from friends around me. When I was 17, I participated in my college’s “Talent Contest”. I was confident that I could do well, having been in a choir and also honing my skills in my shower room for years. However, as you might have already expected, it turned out to be a disaster. It was only the audition. I couldn’t sing for some reason and my words were minced. I never thought I would freeze on stage. It was devastating. After making such a fool of myself, I decided that I should just stick to the shower room as my stage.
In that same year, I came to know the Lord Jesus and gave my life to Him. I loved the worship on Sunday services. I would always be early on Sunday, so that I would not miss the worship. The worship leaders were inspiring and secretly, I often imagined that perhaps I might become a worship leader someday.
Fast forward to the following year, there was a recruitment drive by the worship team in the youth group. They were looking for musicians and vocalists. I thought it was an area I could try serving in. But having been humbled by the experience in college, I signed up, indicating that I would like to serve as a backup vocalist, although there was an option for worship leader. After the audition, the leader of the worship team asked if I would like to give a go at leading worship in the youth service, instead of serving as a backup vocalist. Although I wasn’t sure I was up to it, I gave it a go. Everything from then on is history.
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory, honor, and power, for you created all things, and for your pleasure they were created and exist.”
Revelation 4:11, TPT
Yes, today I am still serving as a worship leader and I will continue for as long as God enables me to do so. Looking back, I realize that God’s hand has been upon me all the time. I realize my love for music is what God has planted in me, that I may worship Him and lead others to do so as well. It also reminds me of the Apostle Paul, who was nothing with all his knowledge and training, until he submitted himself to Jesus for His use. Where I once thought I was brilliant, a humbling experience helped to prepare me for His service. At the right time, God lifted me up because I was ready for His service when pride no longer got in His way. By then, I already knew that all that I have come from Him, and they are all for His glory and His purpose.
What has God given to you? Put it into the Master’s hand and see the glorious works that come forth.