Holy Prompter
In a Broadway play there is a stage full of actors, and an audience full of spectators hoping to be inspired, frightened or amused by the events on the stage. Hidden below stage level in a small three-sided box and out of sight of the audience is the one who knows everyone’s lines and every stage direction for the entire production; this is the prompter. When an actor finds himself in a moment of doubt it only takes a glance in the prompter’s direction for help as to the next word or action in the play.
The Holy Spirit is very much like the stage prompter. He is unseen by the audience, but as real as life itself to those on the stage. His purpose is not to draw attention to himself but to carry the action forward to the conclusion ordained by God. Those who have been prompted by Him in the past need no further proof of His presence, but those who refuse to mount the stage due to fear or doubt may never know His assuring presence.
Often we may refuse to step out to take a leadership role, or to start a ministry, or to help a neighbor because we fear that we may not know what to do or say. We think that we will stumble or embarrass ourselves. And we will (ask any actor how often that happens!) But we can be sure that our prompter will be right on site, with a wink and a nod of encouragement to help us move forward in the direction that the Director has chosen. Give it a shot, you might be surprised at how natural it feels to serve God.
