My wife and I recently attended a concert given at a local church by combined choirs of local churches and the Oklahoma Baptist Symphony.

From where we sat, I could watch the harpist, but noticed that there were times that I could not hear the harp, even though she was playing, because the sound of the rest of the orchestra covered up the sound of the harp.

As I watched and listened, I thought, "Why bother to play if it is not being heard?" There were times when only the harp was played, so why not wait until those times?

It then occurred to me that she was being faithful to her commitment to be a part of the orchestra. She continued to be there when she was not noticed. She continued to add her part to the total sound. Even though the sound of the harp did not stand out as the drums and trumpet would, she continued to do her part. Besides that, she was doing what the conductor wanted her to do.

I thought that this is like our Christian commitment. There are times when what we do is not noticed and we could just as easily say, "I will only do something when I am recognized. Besides, who will know whether or not I am performing?"

When we are faithful during those times when we are unnoticed, we are more likely to be faithful during the times when we are. Who knows what we are adding to the total "sound" as we do our "unnoticed" part? Paul said that one plants, another waters, but it is God who gives the increase. (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

Let us remember that our Conductor wants us there, and when we please Him, it really doesn't matter whether or not anyone else sees or hears us.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be faithful in all that You have called us to do. Help us to tarry by the stuff (1 Samuel 30:24 KJV) even when no one sees or hears us. Help us to know that when we are pleasing to You, that is all that matters. Amen.

As I was attempting to clear some snow and ice from the sidewalk at the church, I was trying everything I could find to loosen the ice so that I could scrape it off. The temperature was above freezing (although not much) and the sun that was shining was loosening the ice a little at a time. The thought came to me, "Wait on the sun."

I then thought about the times that problems face me and I try everything that I can think of to solve them; and that if I will "wait upon the Son," I can make it.

Prayer: Lord, too often we run ahead of You and try to do things in our own strength when You have clearly told us that if we will wait upon You, we can run and not be weary, walk and not faint, and we can even mount up with wings as eagles. You are such an awesome God and we too often fail to acknowledge Your Sovereignty. Help us to wait on You. Amen.