THROUGH THE WATERS COLLECTION
Whenever I start a new collection of work, I try to put my own ideas aside and instead, try to follow Godâs direction in what He desires me to paint. In the process, I keep my heart open to what He is trying to show me through the collection.
When I started painting these pieces, I was led to paint water. Every composition HAD to have water. The scripture Isaiah 43:2 was laid on my heart that says, âWhen you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over youâ. This was a wonderful reminder, to know that God is with us in the difficulties of life and in the toughest of circumstances.
It wasnât until a few days after I had finished the collection that I realized that this reminder wasnât just for me to convey through these paintings, but the reminder was actually also for myself. God had provided the words that I needed that day.
I had been messaged by a collector that morning and was accused of sending her a postcard instead of an original painting. At first I couldnât believe someone was actually accusing me of this, and although I knew the truth, feelings started to swell up in me the more she accused me. Itâs never a comfortable feeling being falsely accused and as an artist, itâs quite heartbreaking for someone to tell you they want to send a painting back. A painting that you poured your heart and creativity into. I prayed and asked God for guidance, and to help me navigate the situation in a way that would bring glory to Him. My motivation had hit an all time low, and after weeks of being in a steady creative flow, all of a sudden I found myself doubting my work and what I was doing. Fear crept in about something like this happening again, and I started to wonder, would anyone really care or even notice if I just threw in the towel?
God gently reminded me that it matters to Him. After all, I am doing it for Him. I was reminded Iâm not to live for the approval of people, but should rather seek to please God and do the will of my Father. I thought about the scripture that He had already reminded me of when I started the collection. He is with me and He will not let the rivers sweep over me. The verse prior says, âDo not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.â (IsaiahâŦ â43âŦ:â1âŦ). Knowing who we belong to is a wonderful answer to our fears and a precious truth to hold onto during hard days. It doesnât matter who loves or hates my work, I am His. No matter what hard circumstances I may face, I know that God is always with me. I hope that these Bible verses and these paintings will offer you the same peace and comfort during the hard days that you may face.
