Midweek Encouragement - "Don’t Quit”

"Don’t Quit”

       After returning home last night from six days in Omaha, Nebraska, I’m still trying to complete my to-do list. So if you’ve heard the following story, originally told by Charles Swindoll, be encouraged and wait for a fresh PD’s Mid-Week Encouragement coming next week!

         Ignacy Jan Paderewski (1860-1941) was not only the Polish prime minister for a time, but was also a famous composer and pianist. In 1891 he was scheduled to perform at a great concert hall here in the U. S. It was an evening to remember . . . black tuxedos and long evening dresses, a high-society extravaganza. Also in the audience that evening was a mother with her fidgety nine-year-old son who was weary of waiting. Why, you may be wondering, would that mother take her youngster to such a high society shindig? Well, she was hoping her son would want to practice the piano if he heard the immortal Paderewski at the keyboard. So, against his wishes, he had to attend.

         As his mother turned to talk with friends, her son could stay seated no longer. Slipping away from her side, the boy was strangely attracted to the black concert grand Steinway and its leather tufted stool on the huge stage flooded with blinding lights. Without much notice from the sophisticated audience, the boy sat on the stool and stared wide-eyed at the black and white keys. He placed his small, trembling fingers in the right location and began to play “chopsticks.” The roar of the crowd was hushed as hundreds of frowning faces pointed in his direction. Irritated, they began to shout: “Get that boy away from there!” “Who’d bring a kid that young here?” “Where’s his mother?” “Somebody stop him!”

         Backstage, Paderewski overheard the sounds out front and quickly surmised what was happening. He grabbed his coat and rushed to the stage. Without one word of announcement he stooped over behind the boy, reached around both sides, and began to improvise a countermelody to harmonize with and enhance the boy’s “chopsticks.”

         As the two of them played together, Paderewski kept whispering in the boy’s ear: “Keep going. Don’t quit. Keep on playing. Don’t stop. Don’t quit.”

         And so it is with you, my friend! You hammer away at your project or that area of service that might seem as insignificant as “chopsticks” in a concert hall. And about the time you’re ready to give up, along comes Master Jesus, who leans over and whispers: Now keep going. Don’t quit. Don’t stop” as He improvises on your behalf, providing just the right touch at just the right moment. Don’t quit! Keep going! He’s there for you, helping you, guiding you, supporting you, loving you. What you’re doing today may seem quite insignificant to you, but with the Master’s help, you’ll make a huge difference to someone else, wherever you are! Keep going! Don’t quit!



Pastor Dale

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this email with anyone you choose. And if for some reason you'd like to stop receiving PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send me an email (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.