Ever since the war started in Ukraine, I have found it hard to create. I wanted to help Ukraine in practical ways but found very few ways I could be of help being so far away. But then I realized that now more than ever both Ukrainians and people around the world need hope that can only be found in Jesus. And if my art can in any way point someone to Christ, then I should not stop creating.
So I painted a landscape of parched barren soil overlaid with a cross where luscious grass is growing, trees are bearing fruit, and a stream is overflowing with water. In Isaiah the Bible says:
“The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.”
(NIV, Isaiah 58:11)
I believe this verse offers much hope to followers of Jesus. While both believers & unbelievers will experience struggles in this world, believers have Jesus to get them through the dark times.
And it’s not just empty, superficial hope, but real hope founded in the promises of God to one day make things right, to be with us always, and to strengthen us with His Holy Spirit as we go through our days. In Christ, we can experience real peace, joy, and hope.
