Tag: christian

Discernment/

Invite God into Your Creative Process with These Genius Ideas

One of my favorite places to find creative inspo is Hobby Lobby. I like looking at home decor, and you can spend hours walking past all the pretty signs, fluffy pillows, and seasonal decorations. Now, while I love getting ideas from walking those aisles, I know that actual creative inspiration comes from spending time with the Master Creator Himself. The best ideas aren’t hiding between the metal wall art and wooden signs that say “blessed.” They come from inviting God into your creative process through prayer, listening, and following His guidance.

Biblical Examples of God-Led Creativity

When you think of bringing God into your creative process, you don’t necessarily have to wonder what that looks like. The Bible tells us about some pretty amazing artists and builders who partnered with God in their work. For example, there was Bezalel (Exodus 31:1-5).

God picked him to build a special tent church and filled him “with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of crafts.” He could work with metal, carve wood, and make beautiful designs. This shows you that when you invite God into our creative work, He gives you the wisdom and skills you need. God gave Bezalel these talents, just like He gave YOU special gifts to use for His glory!

And then there’s Noah. In Genesis 6:14-16, God gave him super detailed instructions to build a huge boat…right down to the exact measurements and materials! He didn’t have any how-to videos to watch or pictures to look at. He just trusted that God would help him do it right. Noah’s story reminds us that sometimes God will give you specific direction for your creative work, you simply need to listen and follow His guidance. A lot of people in business can scroll Instagram or TikTok for hours looking for the perfect creative idea, where all along they should be hearing from God. Afterall, he literally invented creativity! Don’t let lies block you from hearing God’s guidance. 

A lot of people in business can scroll Instagram or TikTok for hours looking for the perfect creative idea, where all along they should be hearing from God. Afterall, he literally invented creativity. 

Start a Creative Prayer Journal

I’ve always loved journaling. So, without a doubt I think a creative prayer journal would be a great way to help you connect with God during your creative process. Of course, it doesn’t need to be fancy (although I love a cute journal or notebook from Target!). It’s a simple place where you can write down prayers about your projects, thank God for new ideas, and write down inspiration that comes during random times or when you set aside some quiet time. When you keep a record like this, you can look back and see how God has guided you as a creative.

Worship Through Your Work

You know what’s beautiful about being a creative? Every single thing you make can be an act of worship. Think about David…He didn’t simply write Psalms. He poured his whole heart into them as offerings to God. So, it doesn’t matter if you’re designing a logo, picking out home decor, or planning content for your business, it all can glorify Him!

Making Space for God in Your Daily Routine

Before you start working, take a few minutes to pray and thank God for making you creative. It will get your heart ready to make something amazing!

Put on some worship music while you work. Music makes everything better, right? I play my favorite worship songs while I’m creating, and it totally changes how I feel about my work. And when we’re stuck, don’t grab your phone to check social media. Instead, go for a short prayer walk. Five minutes of walking and talking with God can help you overcome feeling stuck and open you up to fresh inspiration.

I want you to know that God cares about ALL the little details. You don’t have to only pray about the big stuff. You can talk to Him about everything from choosing colors to writing emails. Some people may think it’s silly, but I’ve found such peace in including Him in the smallest decisions.

Simple Reminders for a Spirit-Led Creative Life

I have a couple of sticky notes on my desk that keeps me motivated. One of them says “Don’t forget to pray, show gratitude, and stay focused.” It’s interesting how three little reminders can help so much! When I look at that note during my busy day, it helps me to keep calm and remember what’s actually important. Sometimes you need simple reminders to help you do your best work. Building faith-fueled habits can keep you grounded in God’s guidance and purpose.

Try This Today!

  • Write your own reminder note (you can use my words if you want!)
  • Put a reminder on your phone to pray during your work time
  • Start a Creative Prayer Journal to track your journey with God
  • Pick one small creative decision today and talk to God about it

And don’t forget, you’re far from being someone who simply makes things. You’re making things with God…the One who made everything!

Sign Up for Letters for The Virtuous Creative

Each Tuesday, I share my behind-the-scenes stories about faith, entrepreneurship, and self-care. I write these to uplift and edify you, so you can boldly show up in life and business. Join 900+ Christian women creatives! (And I promise it’s not another stuffy newsletter that offering “exclusive updates” 😉) Click here now to sign up for these letters. 

Self-Confidence/

God Calls and He Provides

I often struggle with feeling creative enough to accomplish the tasks I believe God gives me. I worry about coming up with new and good ideas full of exciting content that others will want to read. I am sure that my fellow creatives often face similar battles. Recently, I was reminded of some wonderful passages of scripture that help when I start doubting. Mainly because they remind me it all points back to God and His good gifts to us. None of it depends on what we can do in and of ourselves.

If God has called us to write, compose music, draw, paint, or develop any type of artistic content, then He has already provided everything we need to walk in obedience to that calling.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ Ephesians 1:3-9 (ESV)

Reading the above passage always encourages me to know that God already placed in me every spiritual blessing. According to His word, we are equipped with every spiritual gift we need for the calling. We can overcome every temptation to give up or compromise our creative gifting. As we see in this next passage, we have the mind of Christ and the wisdom of God. So, we don’t have to lean on our finite minds to generate inspiring content.

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 (ESV)

Learning to lean on Him for all our inspiration removes the pressure we place on ourselves. Then we are free to simply walk out our calling in the peaceful knowledge that He directs our thoughts and ideas. At the end of the day, let us remember that our Creator designed us to create. He has given us all that we need. We can achieve everything He has planned for us and create amazing content to share because of Him.

Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Psalm 139:4-6

Faith/

Do We Have to Choose This or That?

As we enter this new year, I have thought a lot about what to share. I keep coming back to the concept of not holding on so tightly to the extremes of this or that (meaning if we are facing difficulties, we cannot also experience joy in life). This month, I would like to explore how to reconcile ourselves with the idea of this and that. For me, that includes grief and joy, turbulence and peace, striving for our goals and waiting on God.

In my own life recently, hard things have come at me in a major way. Discouragement, grief, physical pain, and personal hurt confronted me daily right in the middle of the holiday season, leaving me full of questions. God began speaking to me and I realized there will be times in life when we hold both. However, that does not have to keep us from the having peace Jesus promises.

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 ESV)

We can carry grief and still walk in the joy of the Lord. In the midst of hurt and discouragement, we have the comfort of God’s peace that passes all our understanding. We can experience loss—whether that be the loss of a loved one, the loss of relationships, the loss of a job, or even the loss of expectations in this season of life. At the same time, we can acknowledge the blessings we have in new relationships, and new opportunities that are right in front of us.

A lot of our stress and anxiety result from our efforts to hold so tightly to one thing or the other. Why do we think we can only be sad or happy? We mourn what’s lost without always recognizing the blessings we still have. If we are struggling in an area, we often fail to notice the good. We can resolve ourselves to the fact that it’s OK to hold both things at the same time, allowing ourselves the grace that we need to walk through the difficulties, yet maintain hope in the good. I am learning this myself. Sometimes, when we are in the middle of the hard times and the grief, we do not let ourselves experience joy. We can grieve, knowing there’s still joy to be had. After all, joy and peace are part of the spiritual blessings in the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22-23). These spiritual gifts help us walk through the heavy and the hard. We hold on to God’s peace and joy which carry us through.

We do not have to compartmentalize our emotions, stressing ourselves over feeling one thing or the other. How does this concept relate to us as creatives? Often, we find ourselves wanting to hurry and finish a project. We become angry and blame ourselves when it might not come together as quickly or in the way we expected. Know that we can slow down, take our time, and trust in God.

We can be resilient and still know it’s alright to allow ourselves to take a break. We can be independent and still need to lean on the strength of our community. We can know that we did our best at the time, yet still allow room for growth to learn more. Most importantly, rest in the promises from the Word of God:

…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:6-7 ESV)

So, in this new year on our journey as creatives, let’s learn not to be too hard on ourselves. Offer yourself the very same grace we would extend to others. Work hard to achieve your vision and set deadlines to meet those goals. But know there will be times when life interferes and give yourself grace for those moments. Sometimes you just need to take that break and know it is ok. Rest in the assurance of God’s plan and timing.

Faith/

At His Word

I think the title of this post is my new favorite phrase right now. “At His Word” reminds me that Jesus is the one who makes all things possible even when we want to give up. Recently, I read through Luke chapter five and one of the most often repeated bible stories came alive for me in a new way. Here is the account from Luke 5:1-6 when Jesus sat in the boat teaching the crowd and what followed:

On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him (Jesus) to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. 4 And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” 6 And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking.

I have read this passage many times. I always think of the fish and the nets overflowing and how excited the fishermen must have been after not catching anything all night. After their unsuccessful trip they were ready to stop, go home, probably rest, and make plans for the next fishing trip. However, that’s not what happened. This time Jesus was there, in the midst of their circumstances. That changed everything.

Jesus told Simon to push out into the deep to fish. Simon told Jesus they had toiled all night and not caught anything (as if Jesus didn’t already know), but “at your word,” we go again. Their nets were so full, they overflowed and broke. What made the difference? Jesus did! His presence. His word. Because He said so, Simon was willing to try again. They had done all they could, used all their training and skill, but came away empty handed. They did everything right, but Jesus made all the difference. Now I don’t know whether Simon thought, “I will do it and show you it won’t work.” Was he simply acting out of obedience even though he may have doubted their success? Or was he fully stepping out in faith trusting in Jesus? We don’t truly know what Simon was thinking. We just know he acknowledged he was doing it because of the word Jesus spoke.

Why did the simple phrase “at your word” grab my attention this time? I thought about the many times I have tried things my own way, in my own timing and my own strength and they didn’t work. Even though I was weary from my efforts, I know there are instances when God told me to try again. As creatives, we pour ourselves into our work and often face rejection. We don’t get that publishing contract, record deal, or whatever we are working to achieve. However, this story reminds me to be ready so when God tells us to go back and do it again, we are willing to obey. We must have the faith to trust that if God tells us to do it again, He has a blessing on the other side for us.

How many times have we tried to complete a project? How many times has our work been rejected? How often have we gotten discouraged when we didn’t see the results of our hard work pay off? It happens so often; we probably want to give up. Like Simon, we might be doing everything right with all the knowledge, training, and skill we have, yet we still come up empty handed. we see someone else succeeding and we decide to copy what they are doing since our efforts have failed. Maybe we see the success of others and decide to copy what they are doing, hoping that will make the difference. I can tell you it absolutely will not. God doesn’t give each of us unique gifts and abilities so we can copy someone else.

God wants us to walk in relationship with Him so that when He speaks to us, we hear His word and know exactly what to do and when to do it.

When He tells us to try again, be willing to step out one more time “at His Word” just like Simon did. Although, we may be reluctant to step out because of previous failures, trust Jesus when He speaks. If we are doing what we are called to do, we must not give up. One day, God will speak and put His word into action over the situation and breakthrough will come. We will see Ephesians 3:20 in action with “him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us…” Doors will open, divine appointments will happen when we least expect them. At His Word Jesus can fill our nets. At His Word He can bring dead things back to life.

Keep trying and don’t give up so when your “at His Word” moment happens you will be ready to pull your net in. If Simon had not still been in position with the boat, the net, and the other fishermen, he would not have been in place to receive that Word, act on it and then pull in the overflow.

Self-Confidence/

How to Apply Value to Your Creativity

Value is something we typically seek in business, but do we seek this within ourselves and our work? As creatives, we must see this value in order to fully prosper and thrive to our highest potential. When we take on a project, the world may ask us: “What will you do with that?”, “How will you be successful?”, “How will you make money?” and more. These questions should be addressed with grace, but not taken to heart as they show no reflection upon us or our work.

Creative, you are valuable. The opinion of others does not matter because that is essentially all that it is. It is merely an opinion, not a fact. In addition, the root of these opinions vary as not everyone has meaningful intentions for us. Therefore, we have to remember that when we feel that there is no one else to support us, that God is our biggest supporter along with ourselves.

Your worth isn’t measured by opinions or questions but by the heart and faith you pour into your craft. For in God’s eyes, and in the heart of your purpose, you are invaluable.

As stated in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart for The Lord and not for people. You know that you will receive an inheritance as a reward. It is Jesus you are serving.” One’s work is something that one should believe in wholeheartedly before, during, and after the creative process. Because in the end, that is all that matters in this world and above.

When we value ourselves and our work, this pleases God as He was pleased with his own creation- us. If He was pleased with His work, then there is no reason that we shouldn’t be of ours. Value is pleasing and important and so are we. Value is a measure of worth and benefit that both come from oneself. When one truly understands and believes in this concept, the benefits within one’s soul outweigh the burden of others.

Personal Growth/

How Comparison Hinders Creativity

I am always excited when I have a vision for a project that utilizes my creative abilities. However, I have also noticed one major obstacle that hinders my progress every single time—comparison. I believe many creatives have the tendency to compare not only our art, but ourselves to other art and creatives around us.

We naturally consume the art others create and that can take many forms from books, to movies, to music, and more. We fall into the trap when we start to compare because comparison kills creativity. Why is that? Because once we start comparing what we create, we end up trying to fit in, or measure up to, or even copy what others are doing. God didn’t bestow gifts and talents upon each one of us so we can duplicate what others create. That will impede our creative process and stifle our ability to listen and produce what God intends for us to share.

Often, instead of simply enjoying the art of others, we decide what they are doing is better than anything we can create. As a result, we either try to alter our work or even to stop creating all together. We believe the lies saying our work won’t be good enough. We convince ourselves that someone else’s voice carries more weight than ours – that they can say it, draw it, write it, or sing it better than we ever could. So, why should we even keep trying? Here is why: God created diversity in each one of us. So, even though we might share similar talents, our expression of that talent will be completely different than someone else’s. It’s supposed to be that way. Different does not mean better or worse.

Consuming other creative work is great! But the trap? Thinking someone else’s brilliance dims yours.

If God desired sameness, He would have created everyone the same. Our expression of the vision and message He gives each one of us reflects our unique individuality. In addition, we each have access to various audiences based on our spheres of influence. While I may write a book with a similar message as someone else, we will not reach the same people. It takes all of us. God has given each one of us creative visions and gifts that are perfectly suited for the message and the audience we have.

So, let’s stop being so hard on ourselves in comparing our work, thinking what we have created does not measure up. We are partnering with the Master Creator. If we keep our hearts attuned to His voice, we will express His message in the unique way He designed for each one of us.

Discernment/

Protecting Your Vision

Every year I look forward to creating my own vision board and even attending vision board parties if there are any. Those can be so much fun and enlightening to say the least. One year, I attended one of those parties. I was so excited to share with a small group of like-minded women of my short-term/long-term goals and hopes.

When it was my turn to share, you can tell the excitement of how big I smiled. I was so hopeful. You just had to be there.

After sharing with them my vision board, unexpectedly, I got a laugh and a scuff. Two reactions I did not see coming. I was told I was unrealistic, and my focus should be about my husband. Here is my disclaimer before I go any further. I love being married. My goals would include the one I love and those who mean so much to me. My goals also are about how I can obtain the purpose God has given to me. No paper or poster can really say that. Our purpose in life is like an unfolding mystery. God reveals this to us in due time. Relationship with God reveals purpose alone.

Back to my story. Doubt was cast and even the laughter made me feel pretty low. My hopes to become a mom and a social worker, among other aspirations, were somehow unattainable because of their doubt. But here’s what I gained from my experience:

1. Everyone cannot handle the vision God gave you.

2. Everyone is not for you.

3. The vision God gave you is for you, and doesn’t involve the haters, doubters and naysayers.

4. In this situation, it may have been premature to share what I have been praying for in private.

Although I felt the doubt temporarily, I prayed to God and also spoke to my husband about what I saw for my life. I knew my goals were not going to be achieved in a year. I have faith but I am also have wisdom. It came to a point where I had to decide between believing God or believing someone who isn’t omnipotent. To alleviate my fears and worries, I gave it back to Him; the Author and Finisher of my faith (Hebrews 12:2)

I share my story to say, know the difference between what is true and what is false. What God has showed you is what is true. Protect your vision.

Nehemiah also protected the vision God gave to him as he set off to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He told no one what God placed on his heart to do (Nehemiah 2:12). Sometimes we need to take a page from the prophet’s book and hold on to what God gave us. There is a season for everything and what God has plan to come to pass will happen in due time.

If God has given you a vision for your business, make a plan. Write it out. Pray to God first and then move accordingly.

Rachel

Self-Care/

What Does the Bible Say about Balance? And What Does It Mean for The Virtuous Creative?

Hello Virtuous Creatives! I’m back to share words of wisdom and encouragement as you journey in your business life, home life, and your spiritual life. We often try to compartmentalize them in their place (business, personal and spiritual) and sometimes forget to include God in all those areas. For entrepreneurs, there is often a struggle to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Working all day is somehow rewarded or seen as the goal. But what happens when it affects you physically and even spiritually?

Balance is the recurring theme that we speak on often on social media and in conversation with our girlfriends. Why? Because there is power in having balance. The art of balance ultimately falls on prioritizing and using wisdom. Creating balance in life can be challenging, but it is essential for spiritual growth and our overall well-being. God is concerned with you wholistically, for it says in 3 John 1:2 (ESV), “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. He’s concerned about us. God has already laid out plans for each of us specifically. We must hold fast to that truth.

When I think of the word balance, the pan balance comes to mind. Placing too much on one side can take you off balance, leaving the opposite end depleted. Someone once shared with me that ” Sometimes we think balance is categorizing and breaking things up when sometimes it’s getting rid of things”. There often come moments as an entrepreneur when you need to step back, evaluate the priorities that are pulling you in different directions, and determine if they align with your goals. Balance looks different in every season of our lives. What holds the most weight in terms of our priorities?

One of my favorite scriptures of the bible has to be Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (NKJV) I am so encouraged when I remember this scripture in moments of discouragement. It quickens my spirit instantly; As the Word should. It is so easy to apply this particular scripture to our many situations but in context, Paul is not saying that “Rachel can do all the things, she puts her mind to.” 

Empowering but not applicable.

We are not called to do “all the things” my dear sisters. We are called to do the thing He has assigned us to do. We all have a purpose and a calling. The work we do can also divinely intertwine with our calling. I discovered my spiritual gifts often overlap with my work as a social worker and an entrepreneur. There is a necessity to find a balance between the two. I cannot do all the things and expect to be successful. I can feel myself going off balance just thinking about it! We are called to seek His Kingdom first and His righteousness first (Matthew 6:33) . For context, read the prior verse. And it says, “for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things”. Seek God’s wisdom first and ask Him to guide you as you prioritize in the season you are in.

Holding tight to that scripture, also consider these tips to create balance in your current season of life.

  • Prioritize your relationship with God: Spend time in prayer and Bible study to nurture your faith and stay connected to God.
  • Take care of your physical health: Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep to ensure your body is healthy and strong.
  • Build your community: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who share your values and beliefs.
  • Manage your time wisely: Set priorities, create schedules, and learn to say no to activities that don’t align with your values and goals.
  • Find joy in hobbies and interests: Pursue activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading, gardening, or playing music.
  • Set boundaries: Create clear boundaries between work and personal time. Establish specific work hours and avoid checking emails or taking work calls outside of those hours.

Rachel 



Mental Wellness/

You’re Human – Please Don’t Be Hard on Yourself

There are many tasks to manage almost every day. Deadlines. Assignments. Projects. Emergencies. etc….

With time moving so quickly, there just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done and also take care of ourselves. This can cause us to neglect ourselves and also have our work fall behind. This isn’t something our creative souls should be vulnerable to.

As creatives, we like to grow, thrive, discover, and maintain peace. This is where we flourish and find delight in our successes and impacts. But what happens if we begin to struggle maintaining these elements inside of ourselves? Our creative spark can begin to fade.

With many expectations in society, it seems that our soulful light is always trying to be dimmed. We are given many unrealistic rules and expectations that it can feel like no matter how hard we try; it never seems to be good enough. When our light is diminished, darkness can seep through. This is where pressure comes through in these kinds of situations and depths. Many of us tend to internalize what we are going through as well until the point where we can’t take it anymore. This will lead us to not feel good about ourselves or the work that we create. These negative thoughts then become more and more difficult to control and can cause us to hit rock bottom.

Creative, if this is you, there is hope. There is a way to reach the surface and see the sun again for the only way to go from here is up.

Jesus offers us comfort through God in Matthew 11: 28-30, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find reset for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” These words are comforting as the loyalty from Jesus was pure and true. No matter how disrespected, ridiculed, or tormented Jesus was, he remained loyal and faithful to God, and he is to us as well. Therefore, do not be afraid to seek out comfort from God and lead by the example of Jesus because who we are and what we do are more than enough to them.

So please don’t be hard on yourself, creative. It is essential to remember that what society declares is not what God declares. When we are strong and when we love ourselves, that is when we can create works of art and accomplish our creative goals. When we feel good and encourage ourselves positively then our light will be ignited and will radiate from us.

We will rise above the deep depths of darkness and onto a beautiful surface of opportunity. And in order to do this, all we have to do is try our best. If you are trying your best, then you are already doing enough. We must do what we are able to and accept what we can do so that when we begin our next project, we will continue to rise and not fall.

Personal Growth/

How to Break Through the Creative Wall with Grace

How often do you find yourself questioning the path of your creative journey? Ever wondered how your unique approach to creation aligns with your faith and life as a Christian woman entrepreneur?

As creatives we must learn to trust the process of creating. Whatever form our creativity takes, there is a process. I think that is one of the hardest aspects I have been learning. For me, I have noticed three distinct patterns:

1. At times, the inspiration hits fast and hard. The vision of the project appears along with the specific ideas to complete it – a story, a song, an article, a book, whatever our medium. It unfolds effortlessly and very quickly. While this may sound like what we prefer, it’s not often the most common avenue (at least not in my experience).

2. Other times ideas start to flow like a steady stream – not all at once, but still a nice pace where we can develop our thread of ideas. While not all immediate, the work comes at a pace allowing us to fall into a comfortable rhythm.

3. The third pattern I have noticed with myself is probably my least favorite. This involves getting the big idea and nothing else. We may even visualize the completed project but have no idea how to maneuver from point A to the end. While we may have a clear idea of what it’s supposed to look like, we struggle to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

When we feel we’re not moving, we’re growing. Let’s trust in His plan, His process, and our God-given talents.

I think the third pattern I mentioned can be the most difficult to endure, but it often brings the most personal growth. Doubts about the vision and calling speak louder than the inspiration of ideas. Often in this valley, the project dies because we succumb to the temptation to give up. This is when we dig our heels in and persevere. We must learn the discipline of consistency and be steadfast in our determination to see the work through to completion.

Remember as creatives, we actually serve the work – as collaborators, trusting the Master Creator and using our God-given gifts as He designed us to use them. So, whether the ideas hit like lightening, or we find ourselves plodding along, it all comes from God. When we seek Him in all that we do, the work will be done in His time and serve the purposes He ordained. Both the process and the completed work often look vastly different from what we originally conceived.

One of the verses I always think about when I am not sure how to move forward with the work comes from Phil 1:5-6 ESV:

“…because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Through every business challenge, every creative block, He is with us.

Not every piece we write, or every song we compose, or video we produce, will be our best masterpiece. But we must be disciplined enough to show up consistently for the work. The alternative is not something we want. Once we are an artist of any kind, we are always an artist. And if we are a creative who ceases to create, we lose a crucial part of who God created us to be.

We are left with a void because we stop acknowledging a vital part of who we are along with that aspect of our connection with the God. So, even amid the difficulties, find a way to stay open to that part of who you are. Stay faithful to the work of collaborating with God – in whatever form that takes for you. Trust Him to lead you through the process.

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