Every time I see this painting I think, “WOW! That is bright!”  The painting, however, didn’t do anything to earn or achieve its brightness.  The brightness is caused by the contrast white watercolor paper provides when juxtaposed with the painted parts. It has nothing to do with the pigment used (sometimes that pesky little pigment wants to take the credit though!).  That contrast then causes a focal point that your eye is first drawn to.

In the book of Ephesians we are described as a painting, a masterpiece, even!

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV

It’s quite thought-provoking to consider that God paints our story on His canvas (our bodies).  All the things that we go through in this life:  major life events, struggles, successes and failures, exciting times and terrible times are some of pigments He uses to paint His masterpiece.

“We are like common clay jars that carry this glorious treasure within, so that the extraordinary overflow of power will be seen as God’s, not ours.” (2 Cor 4:7).

God’s glorious light shines through our story.  All the cracks and blank spaces among the pigment that occur through the various life experiences we have, may hurt at the time, but they serve a glorious and eternal purpose.  God never wastes a hurt.  Instead His light can shine even brighter through those cracks, drawing the attention of the people around us, and lighting the way for the next person who sees that stream of light peeking out from God in your life!

No matter how common, boring or broken our container is, God’s light is powerful and will always shine through even the smallest crack, drawing others to Himself, the focal point, just like he drew us.

My friends, God has a plan for you. All the good and all the bad stuff you have been going through (present time or past) will be eternally re-purposed for good, for Gods glory and for the Kingdom!

I would love to hear from you! Please comment below, or by email (merri@artsandblessings.com) or for quicker interaction with me as well as with other readers, post your comment on my facebook page! I can’t wait to hear from you!