Why Can’t God Draw A Straight Line?
Ask Abbie!
Abbie; I have been in the music industry most my life, I’m getting older and frustrated about my chances for making it as an artist… any advice?
Abbie’s Reply:
You came to the right place.
I’ve been a professional musician since I was 18. I’ve played thousands of songs and performed thousands of times. As I got older I became frustrated knowing that the music business is an arena that benefits the youth. Meaning to really be successful, you need to break into the business at an early age. Why would a record company in these times put their money behind a newbie starting off in the 40s or 50s, when they can support someone younger who will offer residual income for decades?
Consider this: physics states that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. We as humans are often laser-focused on the prize. We see OUR path and pursue it with all our might. God rarely offers us a straight line. The path to His will is often a zig-zag full of detours. This frustrates us Christians! The interesting thing about detours is that they are caused by construction — your construction. You are being transformed into God’s servant as you walk an uncertain path.
If you are praying for God’s will, you will get it — but almost never according to your ideology or thought process. I can’t tell you that God is going to offer you success as an entertainer. Perhaps you are in preparation for something completely different in the music industry or outside of the industry where the knowledge and skills you’ve developed will be indirectly applicable, allowing you to think outside of the box compared to others.
Hind sight is 20/20. I’ve prayed in frustration for years to make it in the business, and I did not. Today I’m running a world-wide Christian website, and I’m a contemporary worship music director. It’s not where I wanted to be, but I can’t think of any place better.
Pray for His will, obey His laws, read His book, and enjoy the ride. Heaven is not a destination, it is a journey!
So true. I especially like the idea that the “knowledge and skills you’ve developed will be indirectly applicable” in ways that fit His plan. Do you know of other Meet Up sites to chat on and share ideas and needs. I’d like to discuss mine with other people in the music and film industries.