Paganini And One String (The Story Of My Life)

Nicolo Paganini is considered the greatest violin virtuoso of all time...with a matching ego to boost. A famous story of him is told that during a sold out concert in Italy, he was playing when suddenly one of his strings broke. To the delight of the audience, he still continued. Then another string snapped, but he still played on. Then another popped and he was left with only one string. With dramatic flair, Paganini paused and told the vast crowd,''And now...Paganini and One String.'' The place erupted with wild cheers, and when he finally finished, the people gave him a rousing standing ovation.

I think of that story often, but with a twist. Instead of me being the great virtuoso, I see myself as the violin, broken, beat up, and not much use unless it is  placed in the hands of the Master Artist. When our life breaks under tremendous stress and pressures, Jesus our Master can still produce beautiful music out of it.

It's not the instrument that matters. It's the Artist.

I thank God profusely that my life and my ministry is not about me. If it were all up to me, goodnight and never mind.Fortunately it's all about HIM. When I am weak, HE is strong. When I reach the end of myself, I come to the beginning of God.

Whatever I have accomplished in life can be summed up in one word-GRACE.I told the Lord early this year,''If leadership and ministry is only for the great and gifted, I'll pack my bags and go home. But if grace is real, and it is YOU who sustains, then here I am Lord, use me to the fullest.''

This year, like never before, my eyes are on you Lord. Let me be a shadow that will follow you wherever you go, however you lead, whatever you choose for me to do.

2011 is the year of God's uncommon favor. Favor in the Bible is simply another word for grace.I claim this for myself not just for this year, but for the rest of my life.