For Such A Time

"For Such A Time"

16" x 20" Oil on Canvas

This is my second portrait of Esther from the story we read in the Old Testament. I love portraits and exploring the way light contrast against darkness and speaks more than any words I could write about it. I wanted to return to this image because I felt drawn to the cascading sunlight and the way it touches the single strands of hair making them radiate. It's subtle but powerful.

Esther's life was full of uncertainty and challenges yet she is known for her courage and faith. "For such a time," is often quoted from her story ( Esther 4:14) because it suggest that God has a purpose and a plan for each person's life. It shows us something of God's perfect timing, especially in challenging situations. It inspires us to take action and trust in the way God works all things for our good.

In this image of Esther, she is reflecting the light that is shining upon her. There is freedom on her face and glory as she steps into who she was made to be. As we take these steps into our created purpose we become like mirrors that reflect our Creator. It's not striving to be something, its embracing who we already are.

Paul writes, "But the moment one turns to the Lord with an open heart, the veil is lifted and they see. Now, the "Lord" Im referring to is the Holy Spirit, and wherever he is Lord, there is freedom. We can all draw close to him with the veil removed from our faces. And with no veil we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the glory of the Lord Jesus." (2 Cor 3:16-18)

Esther turned to the Lord with an open heart. The veil of fear lifted and she walked into her purpose and saved a nation. My prayer for each one of us is to be able to turn to the Lord with an open heart and allow our eyes to be opened to His guidance, His wisdom, His love and become like mirrors that reflect His glory. Perhaps in such a time as this, your courage and your faith will be felt generations from now in ways you had never imagined.

Crown

"Crown"

12" x 12" Oil on Canvas

Did you know you wear a crown? What have you been crowned with?

I have always been drawn to images of crowns because of the strong symbolism they carry. They embody power, authority, and sovereignty. It is something worn to distinguish the honored and revered. Often a symbol of a nation and their identity as a people. Here are some crowns we read about in the scripture.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)

There's a crown of righteousness waiting in heaven for me, which I know the Lord, the righteous judge will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing. (2 Tim 4:8)

When the Shepherd-King appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. (1 Peter 5:4)

For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory. (Psalm 10:6)

 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. (Rev 3:11)

We wear the crown of life, the crown of righteousness, the crown of humility and victory and this crown is everlasting. When I am able to fully understand His love for me as His daughter, I can see Him place a crown on me to remember who I am to my Father. This is the position I carry within me as His own. Peter writes, we are God's chosen treasure - priests who are kings, a holy nation set apart as God's devoted ones. He claims us as His very own. (1 Peter 2:9)

Take a moment today to think about the crown you have been given. What would it look like to have Jesus place it on your head and remind you of your royal position in His heart and home. The word "royal" in Hebrew means both earthly and divine kingdoms of God. Walk in the authority you have been given on earth and in heaven.

Mighty Waters

"Through the Mighty Waters"

22" x 28" Oil on Canvas

Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters.

Psalm 77 is a cry of a troubled heart, but it is also call of remembrance. It's so relatable in the way the Psalmist cries out to God but starts to question if He is really there. "Will He never show favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever?"

So often things we are facing make us feel God's absence more than His presence. We don't know what the Psalmist was going through but we do know the path he took to get through it. "When I was in distress, I sought the Lord." As soon as he was able to identify the accusations he had against God, he made the choice to meditate on all the things he knew God had done. "You are the God who performs miracles, you redeem your people."

In the remembering, He calls on the God of miracles. But not just any miracle, the one that split the sea. If you read the text, you get a sense that it was as if the Psalmist were there watching the Red Sea moment unfold. The water trembled at the sight of God, the clouds poured out water and the heavens roared. God's voice was heard in the whirlwind. The sea's response reveals the power and presence of God Almighty. He finishes the Psalm by saying, " Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen." (77:19) I love the Passion Translation here as well, "Your steps formed a highway through the seas with footprints on a pathway no one even knew was there."

Can you remember a time where God's faithfulness carved a path through the impossible for you? What are the unseen footsteps of your life and your story?

"None can follow thy tracks by foot or eye. Thou art alone in thy glory, and thy ways are hidden from mortal ken. Thy purposes thou wilt accomplish, but the means are often concealed, yea, they need no concealing, they are in themselves too vast and mysterious for human understanding." - Spurgeon