Planted in Light. Planted in life. Planted to grow.
It’s quite the perspective shift, isn’t it, to imagine being planted in light compared to soil which brings to mind dirt, darkness, or unpleasantness.
Our circumstances, and those around us in the people we know and in the world, can often feel like anything except light, which may be perceived as warm, gentle, and comfortable.
Yet, light is sharp. It pierces and illuminates the darkness. Light exposes lies with the truth. And, that light is not initially comfortable but will be once we adjust to it.
Knowing that we have nothing to offer God has helped me see serving in a different light.
What a blessing to get to participate in the work He’s doing! What a blessing to use our skills to bring about good. How rewarding it is to see the fruit from our efforts. Yet, He’s also doing work in us as He works through us.
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2
Serving Him, as living sacrifices in the presence of His indwelling Spirit – that is how we worship. It’s also how we grow. So, don’t be discouraged when it’s hard and the fruit is unseen.
I’m thankful for all the darkness I’ve known in regard to this because I would not have seen the light without that contrast. And, if not for that, whatever encouragement I would have to share in these spaces would have been mere theory instead of testimony of His loving faithfulness.
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ… So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison
2 Corinthians 4:6, 16-17
Process and products used:
These pages in my Illustrating Bible by DaySpring features the following products by Creative Worship Stamps. These are affiliate links, please see the Privacy Policy for details.
- Jumbled Diamonds Stencil
- Worshipful Wordfetti stamp set
- Peaceful Botanicals stamp set
- Print Script Caps Alpha Stamp Set
- Print Script Lowercase Alpha Stamp Set
I used the Jumbled Diamonds stencil with yellow ink and a blending brush to create the background which is meant to look like fractured light (similar to this page: The sun will rise). I splattered some yellow watercolour to break up the pattern of square shapes a bit.
Then, I stamped the branches from the Peaceful Botanicals set onto mixed media paper and coloured them with watercolours. The words “Your will. Your way. Your timing.” is also from that set.
I stamped the words “repentance brings restoration” from the Worshipful Wordfetti set onto white sticker paper and outlined it in black ink so that it would stand out more.
The title was done using the Print Script Caps and Lowercase Alpha stamps. Then, I finished with some black and white washi tape, a prayer, highlighting with a marker, and some brief notes.
Be encouraged
🎶 Let There Be Light ~ Hillsong Worship
Having a growth mindset helps us to walk this path wisely. Knowing that we are dying to self in the process of serving helps us to understand the struggle. Trusting that He goes with us strengthens us.
