“The best-laid plans”- by Zanna Cowart
What God has taught me about worship is actually very simple but holds so much meaning. I grew up in what some might call a “musical family”, but I never considered myself to fit that mold. I liked to sing and didn’t mind singing in choir, but that was it. I never saw myself singing on stage in front of people. In fact, when I felt God calling me to lead worship, I told Him “no” multiple times. He kept on putting this idea of leading worship in my head that could not be shaken - and trust me, attempts were made. However, God has a way of not giving up on people. Finally, I told God that if I was going to do this, He was going to have to specifically lay it out for me in a way that was undeniable; otherwise, if it wasn’t blatantly obvious, I was not doing it. I think I’ve made my stance and my thought on the idea pretty clear.
Little did I know, the very next day, the leader of the band for my church’s college ministry would ask if I would help lead worship at the ministry’s fall retreat. Before he could even finish, I just remember nodding my head yes. What else was there to say? I didn’t know where that simple “yes” would lead me at the time, but I knew that I could not deny God anymore. It’s funny how He works. He takes our no’s and turns them into a yes, it’s just up to us how long it’ll take for us to get there. I could not believe how the conversation I was having with the Lord merely the night before was being revealed right in front of me, as clear as day.
Romans 8:28 says, “and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” This verse is so simple, but has so much value. God Almighty - the King of the Universe - works all things together for my good, in ways I don’t even always see at the time. And the beautiful thing about it is we don’t deserve it and in no ways are we worthy of it, but He uses us anyway. And the reason for it all is not just for my good, but for His glory, His honor, and His praise. And what God has really taught me is that worship is not about singing songs on a stage for people to sing along. It’s not about singing words to a song you may or may not know. Worship should be our lifestyle, it should be a posture of the heart. So often we get lost in the idea that worship is about us or what we can get out of it. I told God “no” because I didn’t think I was good enough to lead worship, I still don’t. But it wasn’t about me, and God had made that clear. My youth pastor used to always say that “worship is telling God how awesome He is” and he’s right. Worship is not about us, the songs, or whether or not you’re a good singer. Worship should be all about Jesus, because He’s the only One who’s worthy of it.
