TRUST GOD 61087
by Barbara I. Nelson


GENRE: Light Drama
TIME: 6 minutes
CAST BREAKDOWN: 1M or 1F
THEME: Surrender to God
CHURCH YEAR SEASON: Any
SUGGESTED USE: Bible Study; Worship Service

CHARACTERS:
SPEAKER––any age, any gender

SYNOPSIS: Psalm 37:4–5 directs us to trust in God, with the assurance that He will bring whatever it is we are believing Him for to come to pass. While that might sound simple enough, trusting God is not always easy. Our faith is often tested by time, fear, other people's opinions and our own self-doubt. This monologue explores some of the many obstacles that hinder us from completely trusting in God.

PROPS: Table, ping-pong balls, 2 large clear bowls (one labeled "self" and the and other labeled "God")
COSTUMES: Modern clothing
SOUND: One cordless microphone
LIGHTING: General stage
SETTING: Stage
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: Psalm 37:4–5

DIRECTOR'S TIP: This character changes strategies frequently. Here's a way to keep the changes growing and building: Identify each time the character has a discovery. The character jumps on each one convinced that "Now I've got it right." The energy of resolution will build more intensity into the piece and make the defeat at the end more powerful. It may be useful to rehearse this with the actor saying "AHA!" at each new realization, to punctuate the discovery.

On stage is a table or stand with an empty bowl labeled "God." As the sketch begins, the SPEAKER enters carrying a bowl full of Ping-Pong balls labeled "Self."

SPEAKER: (Studies the bowl labeled "God" a moment before pouring all of the Ping-Pong balls from the bowl labeled "Self" into it. Places the empty bowl on the table with much satisfaction) There, God! I finally did it. I finally placed all my trust in you. Yes, I know. I know I should've done it a long while back, but better late than never, right? Right. (Pause) Well? What now? What do I do? (Leaning forward to hear God speak) Wait? Okay. I can do that. (Leaning forward again) Wait patiently? (Slight pause) All right. I'll wait patiently. No problem. (Whistles and rocks back and forth a moment; leans forward to talk to God) Waiting patiently. (Continues to whistle and rock until he or she is hit with a thought; stops rocking and whistling, and carefully examines the two bowls) God…what if this really isn't you? You know I've missed you before. Several times. What if this is just another one of those times? You remember when I…(Suddenly stops) Oh! There I go. I'm doing it again, right? Doubting myself . Doubting you. I'm sorry, God. It won't happen again. I promise. (Continues rocking and whistling; after a few moments leans forwards and speaks to God) Waiting. (Continues to whistle and rock until he or she is hit with a thought; stops rocking and whistling, and carefully examines the two bowls) God? Exactly how long am I going to have to wait? I mean, this isn't a little thing I'm believing you for. Actually, it's a pretty big thing. Not something that'll happen overnight, I'm sure. I was just wondering how long I would I have to, you know, ward off the funny looks and the whispering behind my back while you bring this thing to pass. You know how people can be. (Laughs nervously; examines the two bowls more intently before continuing) Maybe I am setting my sights a little too high, thinking too big. Maybe I should be just a little more realistic. (Places some of the balls from the bowl marked "God" into the bowl marked "Self") Just a little. (Examining the bowls) There. That's better. (Examining the balls in the "God" bowl carefully) That's still a lot. (Putting more balls from the "God" bowl into the "Self" bowl) You know what they say, "God helps those who help themselves." That's better. More…comfortable. (Slapping her forehead) I said I wasn't going to do it again, and here I am, doing it again. (Exasperated) God, I know you must get so tired of me. Always messing up! Hearing the Word, but not doing the Word, right? (Pause) I don't know. Maybe I'm not as ready for this as I thought I was. (Pours the last of the balls in the bowl marked "God" back into the bowl marked "Self") Maybe I'm just not ready at all. (Picks up the bowl marked "Self" and exits.)

Lights out.

 

Performance and photocopying rights:
Your purchase of this script grants your church unlimited use of these sketches within your programs and worship services. You may photocopy the script for each cast member in your church. Scripts and performance rights are not transferable between churches and cannot be resold. You may not use the sketches for any commercial or fundraising purpose, and usage rights do not extend to video, radio, television or film.

Copyright © 2002 by Barbara I. Nelson