Ready To Be Filled

Ready to Be Filled

Days ago, I stood in a newly completed, not-yet-opened theater with the actors, designers, and technicians whose work will be soon offered there. It is to become the permanent home of one of my city’s oldest resident theater companies, and the only one committed to doing its work to the glory of God. The move will come after a wait of more than twelve years (longer if you count the dreaming).

The space is beautiful. It is the culmination of a founder’s vision, many donors’ generosity, an architect’s plans, builders’ craftsmanship, and the prayers of who-knows-how-many believers in the dream. It is a promise fulfilled, ready to be filled.

Many months ago when the theater’s foundation was poured, treasured Bibles were buried in its slab. Yesterday, artists inscribed Scriptures on its freshly painted walls. New carpet will soon be laid in the aisles. On a chilly evening now only weeks away, its seats will be filled, actors will take the stage, and the building will become what it was made to be: a place where stories are told and hearts are encouraged, emboldened, and inspired.

The long-awaited and temporarily empty theater is ready to become what it was created to be.

What dreams, visions, gifts, and desires has God poured into you? What collaborations are at the core of you, waiting to be expressed? What promises have been sealed into the foundation of your life, waiting for time and faithfulness to bring them to fruition?

The building I stood in was complete . . . but not yet brought to life. But when the curtain goes up for the first time, when the audience and performers are assembled, bringing their own longings, gifts, and aspirations to the moment, then it will become a theater. And God willing, that window of creative promise will open again, and again, and again.

The curtain is going up on a new day. What will you do with its powerful concoction of potential and promise? By the providence of the Father, the presence of the Son, and the power of the Holy Spirit, may you be found ready and fill it well.

You belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

1 John 4:4