Painting: a process

Every painting has a process. 

And as an artist, every time I go through that process, I'm reminded of all the work the Lord has done in my life to turn ordinary—or even ugly—things into a beautiful reflection of Him.

It goes like this: He spots something empty; a place inside that's doing nothing for me, much less for anyone else. Maybe it's pride. Maybe it's perfection. Whatever it is, it needs to be transformed.

So He takes out His palette, and begins His work. At first, it can be scary. Things might look even uglier than they did before.

Then, slowly, things begin to change. Color is introduced. Things look brighter. What was once dead begins to show signs of life.

He surprises me, laying down the first strokes of a grander, more elaborate design for my life than I could have ever dreamed up on my own.

Next, He humbles me, showing me He's a God who cares not only about the big picture, but about the tiny details of my life. The cares and concerns, the need for confirmation; the things I think are too small or insignificant to bring before Him.

It can be hard and uncomfortable to let Him shine His light into the places we try to keep hidden. The fears. The doubts. The insecurities.

But the most glorious part of this process?

He's already paid for all of it—everything ugly, everything painful, everything I've done that says I don't deserve the grace He gives—on the cross. He's already spoken the words, "It is finished." (John 19:30)

 

Praise God, redemption has happened! Sanctification? That's ongoing...meaning there's always something new for Him to work on.

Good thing He's the Master of turning nothings into somethings.

Isaiah 61:3: "...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor."

 ~

"Joy Comes in the Morning"
Mixed Media on Canvas
by Karley Kiker
2013
www.karleyart.com