May Devotional- Beyond

Written by Beth Jordahl

 There is something magical about recital season. Colorful costumes, all the hard work, backstage, and on stage. The lights, the cameras, the action! It all works together to create a memory that will last for a very long time.

But sometimes, at the end of all of that hard work, you find yourself leaving recital (or leaving the after party) and you feel a bit of a let down. You are tired, worn out, and you start to overthink all the things. You are sad because you won’t be doing that dance again. You might even be sad because some of your friends are leaving. It seems as if all of that work and time that you put into your performance has vanished. And now you are left wondering… what’s next?

I’ve been there. I often suffer from “post-recital blues” as I’ve decided to call it. I hit a low thinking about how much fun we all had and I don’t want it to end! I can’t wait for the recital next year. So I usually treat myself to something (maybe a Caramel Macchiato) just to bolster my spirits!

You might be laughing at me, or maybe you get me. Either way, I wanted to share that no matter when you find yourself in a place where you feel the blues, let down, or just a little low, there is incredibly good news!

This is not the end, God actually has more! And the more He has ahead is BEYOND anything you can imagine.

Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV) -

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

As you prepare for recital, you can remember that God is at work within you and your dance is all for Him. If you dance for Him, it will bring Him glory. No matter what! When all is said and done, you have no idea of what He can do with your gifts!

After the recital, when you aren’t sure what is coming next, that too is for His glory! He will lead you and guide you. As you step into what is ahead, know that you can’t even imagine all that  He has for you.

So dream and imagine and get ready for what is coming next.

Here is a song that I love, that draws my eyes and my heart back to God (no matter my feelings). Feel free to listen HERE.

Ephesians 1:15-19 (MSG)

That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!

 You’ve got this, wonderful dancers! God is leading and guiding you and He is going to do even more BEYOND what you can imagine or ask.