I’m very much grateful to God for enabling me to learn how to play the piano.
I started playing a few chords when I was 15 years old. My father accepted the pastorate at Ajuy Baptist Church, Iloilo, Philippines in summer 1983.
School was out and being a new kid in town, I stayed most of the time in the parsonage. To keep myself busy, I transposed the guitar chords to piano format.
The following weekend, the choir leader requested me to play the piano because there would be power blackout on Sunday. The song was “Sapagkat ang Diyos ay Pag-ibig”.
Learning how to play better was a struggle for me because I never had a piano nor even a simple electronic keyboard. I improved my skills through the church’s piano, in Ajuy Baptist Church and Sambag Baptist Church when I’m in Iloilo City.
During school days, I found myself going to Johnson Hall of Central Philippine University. I would ask permission from Manay Esther Teves to play the old piano at the chapel.
Just like any young people, I was fascinated with rock music. The lure of joining a rock band and do gigs was very irresistible.
Two things hindered me from joining. First, I don’t have an instrument to use. Second, the prospect of joining the band members in smoking, drinking and possibly drugs would be inevitable.
I can’t read notes. I play by chords and by ear. Later, I learned how to improve and put embellishments on the music I’m playing.
Looking back, I observed that it was when I focused on playing church music, like hymns and contemporary Christian songs that my piano playing skill improved a lot. I submitted my musical ability to His ministry.
He inspired me to write songs. Composing “Mag-amba sang Pagdayaw” and many songs then, boosted my confidence and conviction to play for the glory of God.
What great joy and thanksgiving to God for His generosity in giving me the talent to play His music as long as I live.
If you’re struggling to be good at any skill you’re trying to learn, why don’t you ask God to enable you.
Give more attention to how the Lord God Almighty will use you to bless other people and not how you will be popular.
Pray for God’s inspiration. Surely, you will be surprised how you will be gaining much in your talent as God inspires you.
Wow, what a powerful article. Thank you for sharing this testimony, and moreover thank God for His awesome inspiration. I am a musician and I need the inspiration of God desperately because I find myself so detached from the Father when playing rather than being drawn into His presence. I don’t want it to be that way. I want to play to Him and for Him. God bless you sir!
It’s so easy to get sidetracked from our real and ultimate inspiration. It seems the temptation to gain self credit for a good talent or performance is always there. When that thought crosses my mind, I always pray and remind myself that my talent is gift from God and I’m playing for His glory alone. Praying for you and may the Lord God Almighty use you strongly in His service. Thank you for the comment.