THEBAND
JOURNEY ON!
My journey in life thus far has been a series of
gift of creativity. Creative people don’t typically
steps that are so evidently ordered by God. No
struggle with vision; we can dream something
one just arrives somewhere without the journey.
up in a second. We struggle more with the
There’s always a road to travel and a process
reality that just because we can imagine and
to go through to get anywhere. Certainly not
dream it, doesn’t mean we’re supposed to do
all of the steps I’ve taken have been the right
it. Learning to hear and listen to God’s voice
or best ones, but even then God’s providence
becomes even more critical for us.
TOM LANE
Tom & his wife Patty live in
Nashville, TN. Worship Pastor
of Belmont Church, a member
of Blues Counsel band.
Traveled to over 35 countries;
leading worship, teaching,
recording, & performing
www.TomLane.com
was ever at work for my benefit. I can’t say that
I’ve utterly enjoyed all of the processes and pits
So, I just now took a coffee break to catch up
I’ve fallen into, but I can say they’ve helped me
with an old buddy I’ve not seen in awhile. We go
grow and have become part of who I am now.
way back here in Nashville. We were discussing
how after all this time what has mattered the
Music came naturally for me, I entered the
most is that God has held on to us through all
world with an unstoppable passion for it and
the changes, ups, downs, failures, etc. Jesus is
deep connection to it—God built that into my
the constant! He made the comment that “The
those plans will go the way we imagine, but He
hardware. Though I could’ve run from it, I never
journey’s still on,” and so it is indeed. God is
steers and guides us like the Good Shepherd
wanted or even thought to. As far back as I
never done with us or unable to lead us further
He is. The past need not have power over us,
remember I was driven and planned to spend
into His purposes for our lives. We also talked
nor dictate where we go. Even the hard stuff
my life making music. For some it’s not as clear
about how we’re in an amazing time, seeing
is covered and forgiven. It’s part of our story
of a decision. Everyone’s story is unique. No
the fruit of a generation of young people that
now, and if surrendered and healed, it fortifies
matter how we come to be a part of music
have been raised up as worshippers, giving us
our walk of faith as we journey on!
or what our desires are, it’s a joy and clearly
some great new artists and talents. Here’s the
something God has ordained and created for
thing: No one person, albeit a pastor, parent,
a purpose.
leader, producer, friend, employer, mystic, or
theologian, can tell you what to do with your
What’s hard is identifying what that purpose
talent ultimately. Nor can anyone put limits on
really is. Just because we love it or feel it naturally
how God may use you and your talent. What it
doesn’t mean it’ll make us a living or that we’ll
means though is you need to know and be able
each have the same opportunities or skill levels.
to give an answer for why you pursue and do
As believers in Jesus we sometimes say that
what you do.
we are called to do music, and most know what
we mean, but music itself isn’t the call. The call
It’s important to know the difference between
is to live according to God’s purposes and will
what we are called to do and what our talents
through relationship with Jesus. We’re actually
and gifts are. Sometimes they intertwine, but
signing up for a road trip on a narrow highway
not always, making it harder to discern the right
that requires faith, commitment, discipline,
and best steps to take in our journey. Thus far
work, and trust. The road is also paved with
I’ve never had it appear before me on a big
grace, mercy, compassion, and kindness.
screen. What I have learned though is God
That’s how we make it!
doesn’t call us to pursue our ambitions and
dreams at the expense of a consistent walk
It’s easy for creative ambition and talent to
with Him and pursuit of His kingdom. There’s
become our drivers, but we’re aiming for
freedom and opportunity to go for the moon,
something higher than fulfilling and achieving
but He asks that we seek Him first.
our dreams. How that factors into our musical
lives is interesting and not as easy as it
We can trust Him with our talents and dreams—
sounds. I don’t think it means that we can’t
we have a promise that He’s always ordering
explore, venture, and fly—that’s part of the
our steps as we make our plans. Not all of
Nov Dec 2016
WorshipMusician.com
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