Sermon Central
-
Don't Quit
Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017 (message contributor)
Ignace Jan Paderewski, the famous pianist, was scheduled to perform at a great concert hall in America. It was a high-society extravaganza. Present in the audience that evening was a mother and her fidgety nine-year old. She had brought him in the hopes that when he heard the great composer play, he would be encouraged to practice.
As the mother turned to talk with some friends, he slipped away and was strangely drawn to the grand Steinway piano on the platform. Staring wide-eyed at the keys the boy sat on the stool; placed his small fingers on the keys and began to play “Chopsticks.” The roar of the crowd came to a hush as frowning faces pointed in his direction. Someone began to shout, “Get that boy away from there!” “Where is his mother?” Somebody get that kid.”
Backstage the master composer overheard the sounds out front. He quickly realized what was happening and hurried toward the stage. Without one word of announcement, he stooped over behind the boy, reached around on both sides, and began to improvise a countermelody to harmonize with and enhance “Chopsticks.” As they played together, the composer kept whispering in the boy’s ear, “Keep going; don’t quit. Keep playing; don’t stop. Don’t quit….”
It is the same for us as we work for the Lord. Our playing of “Chopsticks” may not be impressing anyone. But about the time we’re ready to give up, we hear the Master say, “Keep going; don’t stop; don’t give up.”
And this is what the Lord is saying to us this morning. “Don’t give up. It doesn’t matter what others think about what you’re doing. Do it with all your heart unto Me and I’ll help you.”
Disappointments can turn into victories when the Master steps in and begins to play the countermelody.
From: Charles Swindoll, “Don’t Quit,” Stories for the Heart compiled by Alice Gray (Sisters Oregon: Multnomah Books, 1996) p. 39-40.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
A Well-Known Christian Businessman Who Was ... PRO
Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Jan 21, 2005
A well-known Christian businessman who was visiting a church was asked to give his testimony. He said, "I have a fine family, a large house, a successful business, and a good reputation. I have plenty of money so I can support some Christian ministries very generously. Many organizations want me on ...read more
-
A Speaker In Colorado Was About To Address A ...
Contributed by Bruce Howell on Jan 3, 2005
A speaker in Colorado was about to address a gathering of businessmen and women. Sitting a the head table, he turned to the real estate salesman on his left and said, "So, how are things going for you?" "Terrible," he answered. "Haven¡¯t you heard about the strikes? 80% of the people in this ...read more
-
No - I Don't Look As Good As When I Was Brand ...
Contributed by Steve Malone on Mar 15, 2005
NO - I don’t look as good as when I was brand new… AND - that’s why I need someone who will hold me and love me, like they don’t even notice the difference… ONE - of my favorite authors writes; There are 2 truths about human beings that matter deeply. We are all rag dolls. Flawed and wounded, ...read more
-
High Opinion, Our Daily Bread, ... PRO
Contributed by Troy Borst on Sep 16, 2004
ILLUSTRATION... High Opinion, Our Daily Bread, July 3, 1989 A man who had a high opinion of himself stepped on a coin-operated scale that dispensed a card, giving his weight and comments about his personality. After reading the card, he handed it to his wife and said, “Here, look at this!” She ...read more
-
The Opposite Of Joy Is Not Sorrow. It Is ... PRO
Contributed by Robert Leroe on Sep 5, 2005
“The opposite of joy is not sorrow. It is unbelief ...read more
Related Sermons
-
The Battle Before The Breakthrough
Contributed by Pastor Dre on Apr 14, 2014
Here is a sermon encouraging the Christian to keep on pressing even in the midst of the battle. The battle that we are going through is a set up for our breakthrough...
-
Hold On Help Is On The Way.
Contributed by James Reginald Levert on Aug 9, 2014
A sermon directing others to keep punishing forward. and just hold on to the promises of God
-
The Best Is Yet To Come
Contributed by Pastor/Author: Terry Sisney on Jul 24, 2020
I know it's hard to look through the storm and see the sun shining on a new day. But that's exactly what the Holy Spirit encourages us to do. No matter how bad things look or feel, "the best is yet to come."
-
I'm In The Fight Of My Life
Contributed by Charles Jones on Jan 20, 2019
When challenges come you begin to realize that there is fight in you. I know that we wish that life would slow down.However I have found out that life doesn’t make an appointment. Life just happens. So when it happens you have to be prepared for what’s coming.
-
Brush It Off And Move On - Dealing With Rejection
Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Jun 27, 2018
This sermon deals with the reality of Rejection and How to handle it. Jesus faced rejection. His disciples faced rejection. We will have to face rejection. What is the best way for us to handle rejection?
