Back in the 80s and 90s, the smaller churches I attended did not have orchestras, and the services almost always included a piano solo during the offertory time. I had dozens of books of hymn arrangements, and marked notes for myself in the corners to remember when I played which piece. I wouldn’t want to play the same piece twice in a row, or even twice in a month, after all. I practiced different arrangements for weeks in advance, wanting to play the best I could, but still, it was a lot of pieces to learn and know.
One Sunday, I felt totally tired and worn-out. I was a college student as well, double-majoring in physics and music, and had to spend some late nights studying. But my position as church pianist was a much-beloved part of my life, and I wouldn’t give that up for anything. I enjoyed playing offertory specials, but this Sunday, I was concerned I was too tired to give it my best. So I prayed and told God that I needed His strength to get through it. I usually pray that God will use my music to touch other people, and that they would hear what they needed to hear, and ignore any wrong notes I play. But this Sunday, I needed even more than that. So I prayed, and I trusted God to help me. And that was one of the few times I ever played that piece perfectly – much better than in any practice sessions.
When we trust in God, He gives us so much more than we expect.
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 glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21