When I was a kid, art was just my passion. Now it has become my worship, too. Every stroke and shape, every color and shade, every artwork I do, it is all meant to glorify Jesus.
As we already know, life is not easy and to live a life of worship is even harder. Here are some of the things that I learned as I go through this process that helps me to overcome frustrations, disappointments, criticisms. All these things have taught me to turn my struggles into worship.
1. LEARN TO DREAM BIG.
“If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.”
I am amazed with my six-year old self, how she was able to dream as big as a mountain. She was fearless and optimistic about being a painter, a curator, or an art gallery owner. Her eyes were filled with so much inspiration. Her face would glow when you let her talk about her dream. If truth be told, she is a lot braver than the 27-year old me. Without this passionate little girl living inside me, I wouldn’t be able to reach this stage of my life. I wouldn’t be able to hold a paint brush, tube full of paint, and create this wonderful world in canvases. God let that little girl with passion live inside me to fulfill His dream for me and for me to be able to share that passion and gift with other people.
2. LOVE WHAT YOU DO.
How much do you love your job? Your chosen course? Your career? Have you ever asked God if this is His will for you or you just do your own thing? You cannot fight your battle half-heartedly. It has to be whole and it has to be something that you really want to do all your life even without receiving a single penny or a simple thank you. You cannot give your full potential to things that you don’t want.
3. ENDURE MUCH MORE.
We lose in some battles. As for mine, I was rejected many times. My work was not good enough. My timing was not right. Whatever the circumstances, we should not stop pursuing our goals. We fail but it doesn’t mean it is over. Sometimes, those failures are God’s way of making us wait for something greater and better. Believe that there is no failing; only those who stop fail. Endure the pain, endure the temporary rejections and frustrations because God sees everything and He will reward those who endure them with joy.
4. BELIEVE IN THE PROCESS.
A good contrast of a film photograph will not last unless you soak it in the water. Dive into the process and break it like an artist.
5. NEVER LOSE YOUR PASSION.
No matter how hard things are, how your situation pulls you down, as long as you keep that passion alive, there are no reasons why you cannot achieve your goals.
6. NOTHING MATTERS WITHOUT JESUS.
You may achieve all these goals and dreams in life. You dream big, you love what you do, you endure everything, you study everything and never miss a single process, you have a burning passion, but none of these things matter without Jesus. Proverbs 16:9 (MSG) says “We plan the way we want to live, but only GOD makes us able to live it.” It is not about how big or small it is, as long as you live according to His plans, God will bring everything to life more than you could ever imagine. Remember that YOU ARE CHOSEN and not just chosen, you are gifted with skills, knowledge, wisdom and talents. Use them for the glory of God, stay humble, find your passion and direct your passion to follow your purpose.
“And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.” – Exodus 35: 31 (MSG)
