Written by Christian Speaker Network Member, Mario Busacca
So, you say you want to be a speaker that spreads the word of God. Me too! But, of course, we all want to do God’s will in this. So, how do we know what His will is for us? One way is to pray about it. Now, I am firm believer in Prayer. I believe it is but one of the many ways that God communicates and bonds with us. I know it may seem like a one-way conduit sometimes, but I always view it as a conversation. I do this because I believe that God is always listening and that he always answerers. However, sometimes we don’t like the answers. Let me explain.
So often our prayers focus on the things that WE want. That is, we ask him for things or actions that we perceive will make our lives better. And we know what we want and when we want it, which is usually right now. So, what’s the problem? Well, when we get our answer, often it is given with God’s design rather than our own.
Now I teach Improv Comedy at my community theater in Cocoa Beach. I’ve been doing it for several years now and it has been lots of fun and very rewarding. But for a long time, I have been wanting to go into the school system, specifically, into the High Schools around the County and teach Improv to theater students. Further, I wanted to teach at several high schools and then form a program where these students would compete at performing events.
Recently, one of my students, who is a senior at the local High School, sold to her theater instructor, the idea of me coming in and teaching his students. I said to myself, “Finally, my prayers have been answered.” I figured I would come in an teach a couple of sessions every month and then maybe this could lead to the idea I had about an Improv Olympics, as it is called.
Remember the title of this blog? Yeah, so when the instructor contacted me, he said he wanted me to come in and teach two of his classes, the intermediate group, and the advanced group. And, wait for it, do it every day for two to three weeks! Preferably for three. The intermediate class was about eighteen students and the advanced at least ten! This was not what I had envisioned, but, of course, what could I say? I accepted.
Now the other thing that I expected was that the students would love this change of pace. And would love me! What do you think happened? Yeah, it wasn’t as I had imagined. The kids seemed to have fun, but towards the end of each class, all they could think of was when the period was ending. They couldn’t get out of the room fast enough! Nor did they come up to me after class to ask me questions or to thank me. Out the door they went.
I don’t know if I have had any effect on them, positive or negative! I must assume that I am there for a reason. After all I prayed about it, it came true and here I am in my second week of this effort. I will continue to do my best, but I am reminded again, be careful what you wish for; God, in all His Grace may give it to you. Then you have to figure out what He wants rather than what YOU want. After all, His plan just might be better than yours.
So, pray about your speaking ministry, but be prepared. He may direct you in ways that you had not anticipated or desired. This is not a bad thing. It will likely lead to you more joy and fulfillment than you ever thought possible.