Recently, I was thinking about making decisions with God. I always look for Him, or wait for Him, or listen for Him, etc. I was asking how I proceed with the anointings He’s put on my life. I really wanted to know how to not make mistakes and get swept away the wrong direction.
Suddenly, I saw an artist’s paint pallet. I was holding it, and God was showing me that in our lives He gives each of us colors to paint with, then we paint as He holds our hands and guides us. That is, if we let Him. Some yank their hands away from Him and insist on painting their own way. Others never paint at all because of fear, disappointment, or a myriad of other things.
Then I knew. He isn’t afraid of me being bold and painting away. Because I’ve asked Him to guide and protect me. So, everything I paint will be in the realm of beauty.
Imagine it this way. As I paint the broad strokes, His hand isn’t on mine. Instead, it’s giving me an area to make choices safely. Then, in the detailed parts, He gently comes and places His hand over mine as He guides and directs.
We do get to make choices on our own. And yes, of course, He already knows what we will choose. It’s a beautiful dance between our Sovereign God and His children.
I suppose the whole point of today’s writing is to say, don’t be so worried about making mistakes that you never even put paint on the pallet of your life. Likewise, don’t be so willful that you refuse to allow your heavenly Father to guide and direct your path. Instead, use the fruit of self-control and live a joyful and peaceful life. A life full of adventure and satisfaction. A life well lived with God.
I encourage you to lean into God today and ask Him to show you the paint pallet of your life. What are the paints He’s given to you? How will you choose to use them? The possibilities are so unique, if we will simply allow Him to be a part of our process. We are each so unique, that He can meet and exceed every need our world could have if His children would simply lean in and listen. And not be afraid to be used in different ways.
God, come and use me in a unique way. Teach me to paint well with the pallet You’ve given me. Show me new things. Teach me new ways. I trust You. More than that though, I long to be used by You. Please don’t let any of the paints You’ve entrusted me with, be wasted. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Yet You, Lord, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the Potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11
365 Days in the Presence 