of applicants. In four business days, I received the answer back on the tape. The piano teacher said that he had received 10 tapes. He had pulled 4 of them forward and that I was not among them. I was relieved, but the Lord reminded me that I would be selected. I said, “What do you mean; did you not hear the response on the tape; I did not even make it past the first group.” He said, “Yes I was there when he recorded it.”
A few days later I received a rare phone call from this teacher. He told me that he was a professional and that he always picked out the best students from auditions. He proceeded to tell me that when he was in his little vanilla Baptist church the previous day that the Pastor said, “We are going to do something very different today; we are going to take five minutes and individually listen to the Lord." What a great idea! During the five minutes a higher power told me that if I would give you another chance, He would take care of a longtime desire I had today. "Well, yesterday that happened and if you want to send me another tape I'll consider it."
elief was short lived. I said, "He would be a tough teacher, I really do not want to do this." The Lord countered saying, “I’ve planned for you to have a teacher who will be able to give you the goods and yes, stretch you!” I hesitantly sent in another tape.
I received a call a few days later with this teacher telling me that the Pastor again did that; five minutes to listen to the Lord. He said, "I've never done this before in my career, but yesterday this higher power told me that if I would select you for lessons that He would do something personal for me." Well, that very thing happened. He also told me that the only music I was to teach you would be the music of the thirties. This is difficult music and you are not prepared for it but I will take you on a trial basis. You will be required to rehearse for twenty hours per week. Are you willing to do that?" I was really in the battle. I replied, "Yes."
I took seven years of concentrated piano lessons from this teacher. The result; twelve songs have been written for the musical play and it would not have been possible without the dedication of a tough teacher.
The Lord may be leading you to prepare for a ministry task that will require additional, and sometimes secular training. Be sure to wait in His presence; and when He makes a requirement, know, that He will be there as you prepare, and together, go into the battle.
James and Cheryl Peterson
Founders & Directors
Community Worship Arts, Inc.