A Faith-Based Perspective
Life is filled with challenges, and for many, those difficulties can feel overwhelming. In 2020, I went through a painful divorce, and it felt like my world had been turned upside down. During that season, I found myself in a dark place, questioning my purpose and struggling to move forward. Yet, even in the midst of that hardship, something unexpected happened—I picked up my pencils again. Both traditional drawing and digital art became outlets for my emotions, allowing me to express my pain and, eventually, my hope. The Bible reminds us, "He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds" (Psalm 147:3, KJV). Art, for me, became a form of healing, a way to reconnect with the creativity that God had placed within me.
Creativity often emerges most powerfully when we face difficulties. The Apostle Paul, who faced countless hardships, wrote, "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, KJV). His resilience in adversity can inspire us to find new ways to express ourselves, even when life feels uncertain. For me, that creative expression was not limited to just drawing. As I began reading and seeing other people art, I found inspiration in those stories of perseverance and courage. These art forms reminded me that, like the characters in those stories, we too can overcome our struggles, especially when we place our trust in God.
Recently, I started really picking up my Bible again, and in doing so, I discovered the deep well of wisdom and comfort it offers. God's Word has been a constant reminder that even in the darkest moments, He is there. As it says in Isaiah 61:3, God promises "to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." This scripture speaks directly to how God can transform our pain into something beautiful—just as my creativity has helped me turn the ashes of my experience into new forms of expression and hope.
Now, I am looking for a church where I can use my creativity to glorify God and serve others. The thought of blending my artistic skills with my faith excites me. Perhaps God has a plan for my art within the body of Christ, whether it's through helping with ministry, teaching others, or simply creating art that points people back to Him. As Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Our creativity is a gift from God, meant to be used to build up His Kingdom, especially when it springs from a heart that has been healed and restored by His grace.
In the end, hard times do not have to define us—they can refine us. By leaning into our God-given creativity, we can find healing, hope, and even a renewed sense of purpose. If you're facing your own season of hardship, I encourage you to seek God in the midst of it. He may just lead you to rediscover the gifts and passions you had forgotten, just as He did for me.
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