This piece is going to be short; however, I just want to take a little bit of time out to encourage you all as we embark upon this new year.

A few days ago, I was watching a clip from one of, famed Bishop, T.D. Jakes’ sermons. This specific clip really stuck with me because it was exactly what I needed to hear. In the video, Pastor Jakes had two individuals onstage with him, both pianists. One of the pianists was an inexperienced young man who was just learning to play the instrument. When asked to render a selection, he could only play scales and simple chords. The other pianist was an older, more experienced gentleman who could play the keys off the piano! After watching his techniques and listening to just how colorful he painted each note within each chord, it wasn’t hard for me to proclaim him as the maestro of the two.

Bishop Jakes used these two individuals to bring forth a message that was well needed. Although the sermon was from 2015, it is still relevant today. He said that this is the year for us to maximize whatever it is that God has given us. This is the year to use whatever little bit we have to the best of our abilities. While we’re giving God our best from the little that He’s given us, we’re readying ourselves for advancement. We’re readying ourselves to move from scales and simple chords, to playing the keys off of the piano.

The important thing to remember from all of this, however, is that we’ll never make it to advanced musicianship if we are never beginners. We can’t expect for God to place us at the top because we have no idea what we’re getting ourselves into. We’re inexperienced and we lack the training and discipline necessary to execute the task that is before us. Therefore, it’s important to maximize the little bit that we have and to learn all that we can in the process.

Philippians 4:11 says, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” This is the mindset that we must have in 2017. Regardless of where I am in life, of who likes me, of how much money I have, of how many friends I have; regardless of how my grades look, I’m alright! I’m content, because I know that this is not the end.

2017 is the year to do all that you can, learn all that you can, and be all that you can. God sees your efforts. Your “beginner’s” stage is not the end! “Intermediate” is not the end! If you continue to show God just how grateful you are with the little bit that you have, He’ll bless you beyond understanding. Then you, too, will be a maestro.