Deciding to pursue a career in Art was and is a risky move. It’s apparently not the most “sustainable” of career choices. I faced a mountain of discouragement and I know there is more to come, but despite this, I was secure in my decision and every day I feel more sure that this is where God has called me. I learned a lot about myself, I had a lot of different elements to consider, and the most important was trying to discover the mysterious plan God had for my life.
Fine Art Painting is where I was placed and it’s where I will stay for the next few years. In your pursuit to find where you are supposed to be don’t forget to simply do what you love. God has given you gifts—He has made you creative or intelligent or athletic for a reason! I’m not saying quit your day job and become a pop star, but don’t go and do something just because it’s the “sensible” option or because that’s what others want for you. ‘I will go before you and will level the mountains’ (Isaiah 45:2). Trust God to guide you and He will! He will carry you—you just have to lift your feet off the ground. It’s a lot harder to bring glory to God if you are unhappy in what you are doing (Psalm 143:8).
‘So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1 Corinthians 10:31). Now we face the challenge of how to bring Him and Him only the glory. I don’t have a hidden password or secret inside information into how to use your talents for God’s glory and I’m sure neither do you. Most of what I am about to write you will have heard many times before, however, it’s these things we need reminded of most.
Know your God, spend time with Him, stand in awe of Him, fall on your knees and cry out to Him. It’s pretty much impossible to bring glory to a God you don’t know. Know Him, know His glory (Psalm 111:10). He is transforming you, but it takes work from us. ‘Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?’ (2 Corinthians 13:5). Examine yourself, challenge your character, once you begin to show true, self-giving love, everything you do brings Glory to Him (1 John 4:10).
Fine Art is powerful, it’s not just paint on paper. It is a direct connection to Jesus because in a world of pain and suffering there is beauty, and using a paint brush that beauty is captured as a reminder that there is more. This certainly does not mean that everything I paint is littered with verses or scholarly quotes, but it does mean that at least I try to work wholeheartedly and consistently to reflect Jesus in every way. It’s not necessarily what I paint, it’s the attitude it’s been painted with. Everything you do, everything you create is a reflection of who you are. Your creations hold a part of your identity. The same applies to The Creator, the first artist, the true artist. All His creations hold a part of His identity, everything good and pure and true is from God. Picasso and Monet don’t even exist on the same artistic level as Our Father. How splendid is it that the hands that created the stars are the hands that protect you. You were created to create and if He is what inspires you, what fuels you and consumes you, then He will shine through, no matter what.
Don’t get me wrong, I fail every single day, and I mean that. I’m a complete mess 98% of the time. But, from one broken person to another, just keep going. God doesn’t expect us to be perfect—cling to His word and He will be your peace. He accepts our flaws and failures and we are constantly redeemed. Just keep reminding yourself that all you are is a gift from God. It is not about you and your efforts. ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows’ (James 1:17). Keep Him as your focus and the rest will fall into place.
‘My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth’ (Psalm 121:2).
