Sunday Devotional With Mr. E: Frozen

Unfinished art work, empty sketchbooks, galleries and spaces not being called,  disconnecting from peers in the art community.....what causes an artist to become seemingly frozen in their creative pursuits?  Answers such as time, money, supplies, critics, opportunities may flippantly be given.  Some might actually believe what they are saying.   However, it is fear that truly causes an artist to become frozen in their artistic journey.  Fear that they are not good enough.  Fear that they may never be good enough. Fear they will be rejected for their work, their ideas, and at the very core....themselves. Entertaining fear causes one to lose sight of their passion, their heart, and their purpose. They become paralyzed.  Progress is hard to be made when you are frozen in fear.  If you find yourself in this position, start by acknowledging your voice.  You have something to say through your art.  Next, realize that everyone is a work in progress, and that we can grow from/through our imperfections.   It is not a problem to make a mistake, it is a problem if you allow the mistake to stop you from learning from it.  Lastly, you will always have critics.  Their responses to your work are not a reflection of your worth or your ability.  They are an opinion.  Take from it what will benefit you, and leave what will not.  Create without fear.  Do not allow fear to silence the voice you have been given through your art.  Through it...you will not only share your heart, but touch the hearts of others.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Colossians 3:15

What stops believers from doing what God has called them to do? Why do we know the truth, but do nothing with it?  Do we connect too closely to the term "The Frozen Chosen"?  Too often we allow worry & fear to keep us from doing the things we know in our heart God has created us to do.  It may have been the harsh words of others, a mistake made in the midst of serving, feeling unworthy, lack of training...or a host of other "reasons".  These "reasons" become reality when left unchecked.  In Colossians 3:15 it speaks of the peace of Christ that should rule in our hearts.  If we have the peace of Christ in our hearts....how can doubt, insecurity, worry, and fear have a place?  The verse also goes on to remind us that we are "members of one body".  We are not in this alone.  It ends by saying..."And be thankful."  It is hard to believe the lies of the enemy and be frozen in fear when we are called to LET THE PEACE OF CHRIST RULE IN OUR HEARTS....when we know that we MEMBERS OF ONE BODY.....and that we are told to BE THANKFUL. In our weakness & imperfections we can do amazing things...not because of us...but because of Christ in us!