One of My Worst Auditions: What The Lord Taught Me Through Philippians 4:6-7

We understand audition jitters well. People smile big, but inside they’re freaking out. 

“Will they like me?” 

“I hope they don’t notice the high note!” 

“What if I don’t get cast?” 

As Christians, our identity is rooted in the person of Jesus Christ and what He did for us on the cross. Yet, somehow, believers in audition settings often find themselves just as overwhelmed as everyone else.

This has been the case for me. 

I once had an incredible audition for a big regional theatre in New York. And I got a callback! I was so excited for the opportunity – I showed up and did really well in the dance call! I then had to wait for hours in a cold and busy hallway for the singing portion.

I was feeling great at first. I tried to be friendly to those around me. After all, maybe somebody needed encouragement. I might’ve struck up a conversation about Jesus! 

Three hours later, my nerves were shot.

I found myself physically shaking after a while. 

Why couldn’t I stop? 

I said a prayer and asked for the Lord to have His way. 

I remembered Philippians 4:6-7:

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Finally, they called my name…

I went into the room.

…And I bombed the audition.

They encouraged me to not be so nervous.

Ouch.

Pondering the words, “Do not be anxious about anything…”, I found myself anxious for everything. 

As Jesus followers, we’re meant to bear spiritual fruit – and Peace is one of those fruits. 

We can’t achieve any spiritual fruit by willpower in the same way we can't staple fruit onto a tree. That fruit will rot!

We are given something to do instead of being anxious: “...but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

Look at some of the synonyms for the word ”supplication”: 

Implore. 

Plea.

Beg. 

This means my prayer here can be an urgent cry to God. Not just looking instantly peaceful, but taking all the energy I have in my anxiety and targeting it at the Lord, who can actually do something useful with that energy. He can turn it into something beautiful.

And this prayer is meant to be full of thanksgiving!  I remember all that the Lord has done for me, and acknowledge it to him as I cry, plead, and beg for him to help me. 

And, according to Philippians 4:6-7 all this results in, “...the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding…” that will “...guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

In that audition room, my head knew that I needed the peace that surpasses all understanding, but it was not reaching my heart. Again, we can’t achieve spiritual fruit out of our own effort – though we are given some practical steps. True peace can only grow from the Source.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” ––1 Peter 4:12-13

Doing poorly at a callback for a musical theatre job is hardly a “fiery trial” when you zoom out, but it was really something that I had to wrestle through. Our Lord cares about the particulars of our lives – not just the outwardly extraordinary things. If it makes you run to Jesus for shelter, you’re in the right place. 

Our metrics for success are different from the world. He knows what we need, and when we need it. He is faithful and deserves our trust. 

“You keep him in perfect peace

    whose mind is stayed on you,

    because he trusts in you.” –– Isaiah 23:6