As an artist, I am always inspired by other painters who work with such skill and expertise – like my friend, Carol, who excels in watercolors. You should see her paintings – they are stunning. For me, I’ve never done well with watercolors. Holding the brush between my teeth, it seems I just can’t work fast enough for a watercolor – the paint begins to run all over the place before I'm able to contain it. So, I'll just stick with oils and pastel pencils – it’s just a bit easier.
You know, Carol is beginning to experience some challenges too with her watercolors. Her eyesight is becoming more limited. She’s in the early stages of macular degeneration. And Carol is also beginning to feel more challenges from her multiple sclerosis. Then late last year, Carol suffered from breast cancer. Now she insists that her paintings are suffering somewhat from all these physical setbacks she’s been dealing with. But to me, the viewer, her artwork is still as stunning – maybe perhaps more so – than ever before.
There is a sweetness and a strength, a depth and a clarity to her art that I am convinced is borne from her many afflictions. It’s because she believes God is in control. Now let me remind you, this is coming from a woman, don’t forget, who is experiencing the pain of breast cancer, the frustrations of multiple sclerosis, and the fears that accompany fading eyesight. But you see, Carol knows that God does not take delight in all the problems that keep piling on – even God thinks suffering is not a good thing. But He does take delight in working together cancer and MS and macular degeneration for Carol’s good and His glory. Now mind you, my artist friend is not glorifying suffering – there’s no inherent goodness in a degenerative or even a terminal disease. But Carol loves to quote Ephesians 1:11-12, which says, “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” Do you get that? Carol, with all her problems, has been specifically chosen to be to the praise of His glory – she glorifies Him every time she smiles, every time she holds her tongue from complaining, every time she offers an encouraging word to someone else (others who may not have as many problems might do the same, but their opportunity to magnify the strength and power and sustaining grace of God, well, it is limited). But Carol with all her afflictions – MS and breast cancer and the rest, her patience and trust in the midst of trials really magnifies Jesus Christ.
And you know what, friend? You may not have failing eyesight or cancer or MS, but God calls you to do the same. Today, hold your tongue from complaining and in so doing you will be to the praise of God's glory!
Used by permission of
JONI AND FRIENDS
P.O. Box 3333
Agoura Hills, CA 93176
© Joni and Friends