💖 DEVOTIONAL:
📖 SCRIPTURE:
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." - Isaiah 55:8 (ESV)
As Christian creatives, we often find ourselves filled with passionate ideas and creative visions. Our hearts yearn to bring them to life, to make a meaningful impact through our art. Yet, there are times when God gently whispers, "Not now, my child." It can be difficult to accept, especially when our plans seem good and aligned with our talents. However, it is in these moments that we must trust God's timing and surrender our desires to His greater purpose.
God's ways of saying "not now" are as diverse as His creativity. Sometimes, He speaks through closed doors, preventing us from moving forward despite our eagerness. Other times, He may bring unexpected circumstances or challenges that require our immediate attention, redirecting our focus away from our creative plans. At times, He may prompt a lack of peace or an unsettling in our spirits, nudging us to pause and seek His guidance. And if you’re listening, He may speak to you through His Word and in our times of prayer. However God chooses to communicate His timing, we can trust that His wisdom surpasses our understanding. By surrendering our desires and yielding to His leading, we position ourselves to experience His greater blessings and fulfillment in due time.
In Isaiah 55:8, the Lord reminds us that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours. He sees the entirety of our lives, and He knows what is best for us in each season. Although it may be challenging to set aside our creative plans, we can find comfort in knowing that God's timing is perfect. He is not denying us our dreams, but rather redirecting our focus to align with His calling for the current season.
When God says, "Not now," He is inviting us to shift our perspective. Instead of seeing it as a setback or a denial of our creative aspirations, let us view it as an opportunity for growth and refinement. In these seasons of waiting, God is molding our character, deepening our faith, and preparing us for the future He has in store.
🙏 PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the ultimate Creator and for imparting Your creative gifts within us. Help us to trust Your perfect timing, even when it means setting aside our own plans. Grant us patience and wisdom to discern Your calling for the current season. May our hearts be open to the lessons You have for us as we wait on You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
🤔💭 APPLICATION:
In what areas of your creative journey do you sense God saying, "Not now"? How can you embrace His timing and seek His guidance during this season of waiting?
💡 TIP OF THE WEEK:
⏳ Embrace the Season: When God says "not now", instead of viewing the delay as a setback, embrace the current season as an opportunity for growth and preparation. Focus on honing your skills, deepening your relationship with God, and cultivating a heart of gratitude for the present moment.
Hey, creatives!👋
We hope you all had a great week.
These past few days have been a whirlwind for us at Indie Beginning. Balancing content creation and launching our merch shop has been quite the adventure. But you know what? Stepping out in faith outside our comfort zone has been incredible.
I want to encourage you to embrace the courage to pursue what God is calling you to do in this season. Even if it means letting go of some things. Amazing things happen when we trust Him and take that leap!
On another note, huge shoutout to everyone who ordered from our merch store! We're eagerly waiting for your feedback. Your support means the world to us. 🥰
Keep creating, keep shining, and remember that you're not alone on this journey!
Blessings,
Brian Vee,
Founder, Indie Beginning
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I remember this was the very first newsletter I received from you guys. During that time, God was testing my heart when I was considering to enroll in Arts and Design for Senior High.
The devotional's message really struck me hard. It caused me to humbly surrender my passion in art to God (I surrendered it to Him, if Arts and Design wasn't His will then I was at peace with that. Whatever he wanted to do in my life, I'd go for it)
I had my heart ready to accept if Arts and Design wasn't for me but eventually God decided to turn things around. I didn't even prepare well for the screening during the enrollment but somehow I got accepted. I genuinely believe it God who literally got me in.
It's been months now and I'm officially a Visual Arts major, and God has taught me the importance of really surrendering and allowing myself to be led by Him.
Looking back at this devotional is just so nice since it impacted me so much 💜