A few years ago, I was commissioned to transform two white kitchen columns in a beautiful lake home in North Carolina. As was my usual custom, I prayed and asked God to guide my hands and inspire my work. I was especially nervous because this was being filmed for a special segment on a local interior design television show.

Drawing upon my previous training and practice, I moved forward to lay down the first brush stroke with anticipation of something beautiful. My purpose when creating art is to partner with God to fill the earth with creative things that glorify Him. In essence, to leave a lasting aroma of His love and joy that flows from the piece long after I'm gone. What was truly shocking to me was just how beautiful it turned out.

I say this not to crow about me, but to illustrate that there was something truly "divine" going on - and it was fun! I stepped back and remember saying, "Wow, there you go again, God. I'm just not that good...!?" My heart was full; my client was delighted! In fact, she broke out the champagne and we celebrated! Joy and love were in the air.

Partner With Him In The Creative Flow

I'm not limiting this to just painting. All artisans... writers, inventors, painters, innovators, thought leaders, musicians, engineers, and problem solvers... I would argue that we are all artisans.

Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Genesis 1:27, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

Exodus 31:3-6, "And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to design artistic works, to work in gold, in silver, in bronze, in cutting jewels for setting, in carving wood, and to work in all manner of workmanship. And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that I have commanded you."

God absolutely wants to shape things on the earth through us. We are his hands and feet to get stuff done - to partner with him in his purposes! Isn't it so COOL to know that he actually downloaded wisdom into the "gifted artisans" to build the tabernacle?! I can't read this section of the Bible enough!! I love to pray and ask God to download ideas into my heart, and you can too! God has been co-creating with his people since the beginning of time! God is the idea generator and the beginning of all things. We were created in his image and out of Him we create. Wow! We actually get to fill our realm of influence with His creativity - to shape the atmosphere for his glory!

So What Can You Do?

Get Training: First, get practical. If you have a special interest, take a class, read a book, and begin to hone your skills. Practice.
Prepare The Atmosphere: Ask God to download into your heart all manner of wisdom for the project. Ask him for innovation, ideas, and wisdom. Pray over your space and invite the Holy Spirit! Ask him to flow through you. Listen to your favorite worship music and get ready to receive all that he has for you. He is the originator of all things.
Receive from God & Speak Life Over Your Project: Prepare to receive from the Lord! He is such a good and loving Father! Scripture tells us he will not give his children a stone when they ask for bread. It is his heart to flow through you to minister his love to others. Prepare to receive his love as you simply can't give away what is not in your heart. Guard your heart and forgive offenses: Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

[This Week's Prayer]

Holy Spirit, come. I invite your amazing presence into my life this week! I ask that you would fill me with the Spirit of God: in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. I want to partner with you so that this world would be filled with the things that you want on display for your glory. So that people will be drawn to you and come to know you as their King! That the atmosphere would be changed as I lean into your creative problem solving. I anticipate abundance, innovation, and joy to flow through me and follow me this week! In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, amen!

Be Inspired!
Kelly Roberson
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