This is a very personal piece for me. I had a vague idea what I wanted to portray when I started, but God moved very powerfully in this piece. This woman has come from the mountain top of the Lord and walked through the dry and barren desert to get to her Heavenly Father's promise. It has been a long, hard and very painful journey, but she knows that her God never fails. Along the way God has whispered ever so delicately in her ear "the purpose is greater than the pain."

Sometimes it is so hard believe that God truly loves us when everything in life seems to be working against us. God will back us up into a corner and ask, "Do I favor you?" The answer has to be "yes," because God would not take the time to plan out one tragedy after the next in our lives. (I'm sure some of you all reading this can really testify...) It almost gets to the point where it is easier for God to bless than to strike out against us, but He chooses the latter.

Along the way I've realized that I have to pay the price for my anointing. Jesus, Joseph, David, Paul, Jacob, Esther, etc. all paid the price for theirs. Why would I be any different? The greater the anointing-- the greater test. I've realized in the midst of many tragedies that God does favor me-- despite what my life circumstances say. Only until God has taken every good thing out of Job's life does he say, "I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You" (Job 42:5). When God goes out of His way to take the good out of your life-- to the point where it gets almost comical (you start to laugh because you can't cry anymore), then your eyes have seen God. Then you know Him. You know it doesn't depend on you, and it's not up to you. It's up to Him. The time will come when He will bless, but in the mean time all you can do is believe-- the purpose is far greater than the pain.

God will keep His promises, and they will all come to past in His perfect timing. He is a faithful God who never fails. Be at peace during this time of trial even though it has been long and there may be longer still to go. There is a glory coming for you after this if you remain faithful to His plan for your life. When it's your time to be blessed-- then it's your time, and the devil can't stop! We will reach the lush forest of promise in due time if we do not lose heart.

Remember David's words before He became King:

We aren't nearly as gracious to the Lord as we should be (I know I'm not.) Here is my attempt in artistic prayer to say, "Thank You, Lord." No matter what season you are in your life, whether you are in a season of blessing or one of hardship, we always should look towards the cross and give thanks. It's His mercy and His grace that creates a grateful and compassionate people. I constantly have to remind myself during difficult times to give thanks to the Lord. The Joy that is found in salvation alone is enough. Yes, His grace is sufficient (2 Cor 12:9). Let us remember to give thanks and praise to Him for He is good. Let us be vessels where gratitude is overflowing to our Lord who has given us the promise of eternal salvation in Christ Jesus. Amen.

The following is a series of artworks done for this verse. I am so touched by the compassion and love in this passage of scripture. How amazing that our Lord Jesus Christ came to do these things! He still does them today. With this series I want to highlight the fact that Jesus brings light to those in darkness. He brings good news to those in great pain. He brings consolation, comfort, beauty, joy, and praise for all who are suffering. Jesus still sets the captives free today! May you be greatly encouraged by this new art series and may the Lord Jesus Christ be magnified!