VOTD: Walk in the Power

August 16, 2006
VOTD: Walk in the Power

“But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (English Standard Version)

Has God ever asked you to do something you thought was impossible? My roommate and I were talking about dreams last night (i.e. “What do you want to be when you grow up?”). I told her I have many passions, especially artsy things such as: photography, writing, and recently painting. This is one of those “impossibilities” which I didn’t think I could do.

You see, to make a long story short, several years ago, I was prophesied over. I was told that I would “draw the pain of my past and turn it into a children’s book”. While I don’t completely know what that means yet, I did know I couldn’t do anything until I learned how to draw. To encourage this dream, my mom gave me a “Drawing for Dummies” book. I got to the third lesson and got discouraged; that was probably one to two years ago.

Well, a few months ago, a friend knew about this seemingly hidden desire of mine. She asked me to paint a mural for a project my church was doing. (40 Days of Community – we were to paint what community meant to us) At first, I thought, “Are you nuts? I can’t paint. I can’t even draw.” She told me, “Pray about it. Sketch some things out. If you really don’t think you can do it, you don’t have to. But I think you can do it.” After reading her email, my heart began to beat faster and I felt alive; I knew I was going to do it! For the next few weeks, I prayed about what I should do, “God, you know I have no idea how to paint; I don’t even know where to begin. I need you to speak to me.” Two ideas were constant in my head: a park scene and an ice cream truck.

In case you didn’t know, thinking about an idea and sitting in front of a blank canvas are two totally different things. But I knew I had been called and had a commission to fulfill. I couldn’t shake the idea of the ice cream truck; I took that as a sign. (Not that I believe in ‘signs’ but you know what I mean.) I sketched it out first in pencil. Mom always says, “Measure twice. Cut once.” Figured that idea applied here as well. All too soon it was time to actually paint. Scary.

HOURS later, (why do things always take longer than you think they will?) I can’t tell you how much fun I had! The finished product looked like something a first grader might do, but you know what? I honestly didn’t care. I was very proud of my work! You know why? Two reasons, really. First, I had the courage to do that which I thought I couldn’t. Second, “His power was made perfect in my weakness”. Once I stepped out of the way and walked in His power, He then used my weakness for His glory! That’s not to say my painting changed the world, but I was able to testify what God did through me. Very cool experience. I’m glad my friend pushed and encouraged me. I need to go out and buy some more canvases; see what other “masterpieces” come out of me!

The next time God asks you to do the impossible, don’t be so quick to say, “No!” Instead, stop, pray and think; He might just have an unexpected blessing for you on the other side, if you step out in faith and obedience!! You never know until you try, right?!

Finished Result: