Nathan moved to Indianapolis in 2002 after dropping out of law school. He began attending Common Ground and worked three years as a social worker. He became disillusioned with this work because he felt he wasn’t helping anyone. He also became tired of “being in the trenches,” and not enjoying what he was doing.

In 2005, he decided to pursue playing music for a living. He’d always loved to play and perform, and the entertainment world seemed so much more gratifying than working with people who wouldn’t help themselves. God blessed the music endeavors, and by 2008, he was playing from St. Louis to New York, with thoughts of moving to Nashville to pursue work with nationally known artists. In addition, he was in a relationship and they were discussing marriage. Life was looking up . . . and then the bottom fell out.

According to Nathan, “Now that I can look back with several years’ perspective, I can definitely say that I was glorifying the creations (my girlfriend and music) more than the Creator. I was finding my worth and affirmation in things of the world instead of from the Father. I was very selfish. So, what does God do when we think we have it all? He takes it away from us.”

In a bizarre turn of events, Nathan not only separated from his girlfriend, but also watched his band (which was on the verge of record deals and endorsements) fall apart. After this, he was convinced that he needed to make the move to Nashville. A phone call to a friend to secure housing changed all that. As the friend told Nathan about an upcoming mission trip, the Holy Spirit spoke six distinct phrases to Nathan:

1. You don’t need to do this.
2. You don’t need to prove yourself to anyone in the world, and definitely not Me.
3. You don’t need to move to Nashville, you don’t even like country music that much.
4. You’ve had selfish motivations all along in this.
5. You are now going to enter a different phase in your life. You will keep playing music, but not in the manner and way in which you expect.
6. Again, quit trying to impress people and JUST FOLLOW ME.
   

Right then and there, Nathan stopped playing music professionally. He joined his friend on the mission trip to Guatemala, and is now blessed with a job in social work in which he walks in God’s path and peace. As for music, Nathan took his mandolin on the trip to Guatemala, and is now part of what he calls a “crazy cover band.” They play ordinary songs in ordinary places for ordinary people, to honor an extraordinary God.

God is so glorious in His mercy, justice and grace. He allows us to suffer and to be pruned. In this refinement process, we become so much more aware of who He is, what His kingdom is supposed to look like here (as it is in heaven), and we gain so much perspective on true “joy” versus earthly “happiness.” Thank you, Jesus. You are forever to be praised. Amen.