Jesus spoke many parables during His time of ministry. Each parable was a story used to share a lesson in which those listening, or those reading now, would understand a message Christ wanted to share and what He was asking anyone listening to emulate. One particular parable is of a nobleman who is going off to be crowned king. As he leaves, he entrusts his servants with an amount of silver. When he returns, he asks them what they have done with the silver they were given. The first invested the silver and had earned ten fold on the investment. This servant was rewarded greatly for what was done with the silver. The second invested as well, and received five fold back. He too was rewarded. A third hid the silver, fearful of the nobleman. This man was condemned, and his portion given to the first man.
Recently this parable has come to mind. Last year, God called me back into playing drums. At the time, I was reluctant and didn't know why. Initially it seemed like God's way to help mentor a teen in his music and spiritual life. It was the aim at first; but it also started reteaching me since my playing had atrophied from a few years not playing.
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| Small practice area. |
When initially arriving at Victory, I was encouraged by a close friend to pray as to how God would have me use my gifts and when it would be used; but also focusing mainly on why I was there (to work at the ministry) and second, what was God trying to teach me (?). Drums would fall into place when God wanted them too. In order to process some of what God was trying to teach me, I had to getaway from time to time. I found peace at a church in town. Each Sunday I found refreshment, healing and a renewed joy. Even though the leaders at the church knew of my ability to play, they instead chose to pray over my ministry work at Victory, and that God would reveal where and if He would want me to play drums again.
During the summer camp, God blessed me with filling in on drums for two weeks. The process stretched me as well as reminded me of the joy I experienced when playing music in the form of genuine worship. After being pushed outside the box and mentored during week six of camp, God said it was time and He also said where. The first thing worship pastor Johnny asked me when I ran into him that Sunday was "when can we sign you up for an audition?" I hadn't even told him yet.
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| Well worn drumming/indoor shoes |
Right now it may seem like my calling is backwards. Drums before ministry work. This isn't true.
Ministry work is a priority over percussion. But I can say I'm learning more about my calling, gifting, focus, and spiritual life through learning worship… which in turn is being applied to ministry work. I'm not sure why God called me back to playing music. For some reason He has chosen to reintroduce a gift of mine. At this time, I'm just trying to invest in what "The Nobleman" has entrusted me with.
- Daryl J. Howard
