Wendy Craig

actress

 It would be difficult to find a more humble actress. Often lacking confidence, her doubts about her own ability only serve to enhance her humility and grace, and her deep faith in God and steady reliance on Him are obviously the main key in her life. Wendy is someone who knows her worth, yet is able to see that God is much bigger than she is

 Wendy’s Christian faith began when she was a child, her Grandmother having taught her all about Jesus. Gradually though, she began to drift away from her beliefs. It was a personal tragedy that caused Wendy to return to her childhood faith, finding it had even more relevance than before. Wendy knew that getting back to the security of God’s love, was the only way to put everything right. She has since recognised that this was the most important and life-changing decision she has ever made

The Lord your God is with you; His power gives you victory.

and in His love He will give you new life.

 He will sing and be joyful over you. Zephaniah 3 verse 17.

 When asked to choose a favourite verse from the Bible I thought, how can I do that? There are so many verses which speak to me, how can I possibly choose just one?

 I thought of the hundreds of times I’d been strengthened, guided and enlightened by God’s Word in different situations. To choose just one verse was an awesome task!

 Realising that I had been asked to contribute because I am a Christian working in the entertainment industry helped me focus my thoughts however. I managed to whittle my choice down to several verses which have helped me when preparing for a performance. Finally, I decided on the above verse from Zephaniah, an Old Testament prophet

 In common with a lot of actors, I am not the most confident person in the world. I am so often filled with doubt, doubt of every kind including self-doubt, as well as doubt about my faith. Many times I have stood in the wings, at the side of the stage, before making my entrance, filled with terror and convinced that I’d never get through the show

 Many times whilst praying, I’ve suddenly caught my breath with the thought "Is God really there? Does He really listen to me, or am I just deluding myself?"

I’ve often sensed my own inadequacy and felt my confidence ebbing away, and I’m sure that this must sound impossible to those who see me exuding confidence and energy when I’m on the Television or Stage, but this is the truth

 Isn’t it a wonderful thing then that the scriptures always have a word to help us if we care to look. When I came across my chosen verse, it leapt out at me. It was just what I needed to hear at that moment. Here was the reassurance I was seeking

 Imagine, God would take delight in me - yes me- with my flat feet and squeaky voice! He would wrap me in His love and quieten my fears. He would be happy and sing with joy, and best of all He would save me - save me from myself through His grace, so mysterious and desirable. What proof had I that He would do all this? His word is proof enough for me. I know that God does not make rash promises, and therefore I knew I could trust Him

 When you discover that you are loved by someone, it’s a terrific boost to your confidence. Knowing you are loved by God is the greatest confidence boost of all. So, now whenever doubt and dread besiege me, which they inevitably do, instead of collapsing like a wimp I whisper Zephaniah 3 v 17 to myself, and having absorbed the power of these words I stand tall. Try it, it really works!  Halleluiah!

Father God, thank you for loving us, and through your love strengthening us, so that we can go forward in the full confidence of knowing that we are your children, and that nothing can ever separate us from your love. Amen

 by kind permission of Christians in Entertainment   www.cieweb.org.uk