The Masterpiece

In the music world, Ludwig van Beethoven is a giant.

Even today, in churches, we sing his Ninth Symphony, better known as “Ode to Joy.”

It came out of Beethoven’s deafness, in which he could not hear a note, but only feel the vibrations.

It would seem an “Ode to Joy” would signal a man who had the trait, but it wasn’t true.

Beethoven was miserable. His dour demeanor cost him several romances. His friends knew him as cross.

He conducted the orchestra that unveiled his last symphony. But the deaf composer could not hear the thunderous applause as the last note died.

He thought himself a failure.

But then, a friend turned him around to see the cheering crowd. For the first time in a while, he felt some of the joy the piece spoke of.

When we filter life through problems, we live with the residue of the problem. But God turns us around to see reality.

Paul felt it. Overwhelmed by a piercing pain, he prayed for relief. God’s reply was not what he expected.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

But God said, “Look beyond the pain, and you will see my hand.”

When life grows burdensome, remember God’s grace to carry you through. It will be his greatest masterpiece.