A few days later, while conversing with a friend of mine who owned a shop, I suggested he might try to sell some of my cassettes. Because he had heard me sing at quite a few functions, he suggested I set up my backing equipment outside his shop and see what would happen.
As I returned home that night, the thought kept troubling me, so I spent most of the night talking to my friend, Jesus, who impressed me to cling to His promises. I approached my friend the next morning, ready by God's grace to give it a go. But I was so nervous, imagining that some of the people in the street might turn up with rotten eggs and ripe tomatoes to throw.
As I hit the first note, all fear left me and I realised that I wasn't doing this alone--I was only the instrument in the Master's hands. Everything went well and I soon had some nice people showing interest, as my friend sold eight of my tapes in two hours.
When God wants us to do a work for Him, who are we to tell God how to find a person who needs saving? He always knows best.
I have had many experiences using my music in this way. On one occasion, before going to work, I prayed I would meet someone I could help. After singing for an hour or two, I felt impressed to sing some gospel songs, starting with "One Day at a Time," then "Just a Closer Walk With Thee." Then I was getting more courage, so right there on the footpath, I sang, "The King is Coming." Then I stopped and waited to see what would happen. After wondering to myself for a couple of minutes, I thought, That's strange--nothing has happened. I started to sing an old, secular song, when a well-built man caught my attention.
"Can I see you for a minute when you're finished?" he asked. At the end of the song, I stepped over, held out my hand and said, "Ross is my name. Can I help you?" "Yes," he said. "A few minutes ago you were singing a song, something about a closer walk with God." "That's right," I replied. Then I noticed a tear trickle from his eye. "Please tell me more," I said. "We've been really upset, Ross. We lost our son last weekend and buried him three days ago. My wife was only a few metres away listening to that song. It gave us hope. She pressed me to come and ask you if you have a tape with that song on it that we can buy, so we can listen to it over and over." I gave him the tape with my name, address and phone number, telling him that if I could help any further to give me a call. What a wonderful God we work for. He was watching over those parents who had lost their young son, had them in the right place and impressed me to sing a song at the exact time that would meet their needs. I went home that afternoon feeling really blessed, knowing God had used me to help two of His dear children with a real need. I trust I might meet them in the kingdom one day soon and hear them tell me how God used a song to draw them to Him.
For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need. Philippians 4:13.
L Ross Corney lives in Balmoral, New South Wales, and is a musician who has travelled extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand, using his vocal talent to introduce people to Jesus.
