A word of encouragement for the determined.

Ballet was my passion for 13 years of my life. Year after year I would practice hard and diligently dedicate my time and efforts to ballet. And year after year I would audition for roles in The Nutcracker, hoping eventually to be cast as Clara – the main character in the story and every ballet loving little girl’s dream role. Starting with short dances and low-profile roles, I worked my way up to finally not only being cast as Clara but as the lead in multiple other dances as well.

But it wasn’t because I was the most talented dancer in the company because I wasn’t. Not even close. Kate was more flexible than me. Audra could jump higher. Sara was older and had more experience. Naturally, I didn’t have a “dancer’s body.” My flexibility and rotation weren’t very good – I had to stretch and work hard to make my body move in the positions I needed it to. I was more shy, so I had to really step out of my comfort zone to come alive on stage. I tended to be more serious and focused and would be constantly reminded to smile for the audience.

I didn’t get the lead in the performance because of raw talent or natural skill. I got it because I was determined.

I had a single-minded, undaunted intent to be given the role of Clara.

And with hard work, I was entrusted that role. I had shown myself able to handle being the lead and doing it well. My instructor wasn’t looking for the most talented person but the one who would give it there all.

In a similar way, God isn’t looking for the most talented writer or most eloquent speaker to fulfill his will or spread his message and love. We saw this with Moses. Chosen by God, Moses was well aware of his shortcomings: “‘I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant,’” he said. “‘I am slow of speech and tongue’” (Exodus 4:10). That didn’t matter to God. He had a purpose for Moses to execute.

God has a plan for you.

He doesn’t care about your limitations, past failures, or lack of success. He doesn’t care if you don’t have a large social media following or that you’re not “known.” You are working for an unlimited God who can reach beyond any physical barrier and open doors you didn’t even know were there.

You simply have to trust him.

So be encouraged and stay determined. God is ready to use you – your role of Clara is just around the corner. Don’t give up, and don’t back down. Your determination to serve God wholeheartedly is seen and will be rewarded.