Like many, I find it challenging to keep myself motivated during these days of lockdown. Most of my blogs center around seeing God in the ordinary events of life. But, these days are anything but ordinary, so I struggle to write. Today, join me to learn how God helped me find a story with a paint by numbers activity.

Stuck Inside

During this pandemic, I saw a post asking the question, “what projects will you complete during this time?” This sentiment spurred me on to complete some projects from my to-do list. As a result, my husband and I cleaned out the garage, redid our flower beds, and organized several junk drawers. I felt quite accomplished. But the pandemic continued, so now what?

I did not want to spend all my days glued to a device or TV. So, I kept up with my writing as I pondered other hobbies to tackle. My husband found entertainment in jigsaw puzzles, but I kept searching. After I completed a cross-stitch for my new grandbaby, I thought I would try a paint by numbers picture. So, I ordered one online and waiting for my new found hobby to arrive.

Paint by Numbers

Meanwhile, the paint by numbers kit arrived. I opened the box with much anticipation. As I looked over the large canvas with all its numbers, I felt my heart sink a little. This seemed much more complicated than I expected. I searched, but the box did not contain any instructions. So, where do I start? Is it best to paint one section at a time or do all of one color first? I felt overwhelmed and lost but determined to give it a try.

Today, join me to learn how God helped me find a story with a paint by numbers activity. Click To Tweet

I painted a little each day. And each day, I felt the painting would turn out awful. I drew outside the lines in spots, or I used the wrong color in an area. Giving up on the craft crossed my mind many times, but I trudged on. Subsequently, I stepped back one day to look over the finished work and was surprised to see how well it turned out. That’s when I felt God point out how this hobby was like our life of faith. So, let’s look at the lesson I found.

Instructions Lesson

Like the box my painting came in, our life does not come with specific instructions for each of us. As a result, we can feel overwhelmed by the choices. What college should I attend, what should I study, and what is God’s plan for my life? We trudge on as we try to figure it all out. But, most importantly, we seek the Lord to guide us through our days. Whether His plan shows us to paint all the blues first or paint one small area first, it will be the right plan for us. The Bible assures us that we can trust in His plans.

• Jeremiah 29:11; For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
• Psalm 37:5; Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it.
• Proverbs 16:3; Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.

Sometimes, as we look at our unfinished lives, they will not resemble anything beautiful. However, God already sees the masterpiece of His finished work. Click To Tweet

Mistake Lesson

Like painting, sometimes we color outside the lines or use the wrong color of paint in our lives. We all make mistakes. Some of those errors will require correcting, while others will change the direction of our life. Maybe we planned to be a teacher, but a Godly encounter leads us to seek a career in ministry. God changed the color of paint, but the finished work will still be beautiful. But, we must remember that God expects us to correct any of our sinful ways. We find God assurances within His Holy Word:

• Romans 8:28; And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
• 1 John 1:9; If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
• Acts 3:19; Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.

Finished Work Lesson

At times, I stopped to review my work on the paint by numbers and did not like what I saw. It looked messy and did not resemble the picture on the box. But, once I finished it, I loved the results. Sometimes, as we look at our unfinished lives, they will not resemble anything beautiful. However, God already sees the masterpiece of His finished work. When we live our lives for Him, God turns our lives into His work of art. Trust Him to finish what He started. We can find more encouragement in these words:

• 2 Corinthians 8:11; So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.
• Philippians 1:6; And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
• Matthew 25:23; “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’

At the end of my days, I pray to look back over my life and see how the Master’s Touch made it all beautiful in the end.  Click To Tweet

Master’s Touch

We can find Godly lessons in everyday living. I found one in my paint by numbers craft. I learned I can trust God’s plans and that I will make mistakes. Also, I learned that God will make a masterpiece out of my life when I believe in Him. At the end of my days, I pray to look back over my life and see how the Master’s Touch made it all beautiful in the end. 

Blessings,

Yvonne M. Morgan, author, blogger, and speaker.

Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”

100% of the proceeds from sales of my book, Turning Mountains Into Molehills, help the orphans at Orphan Relief Effort, Inc.

Additional Resources:

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Getting to know Jesus

Prayer for Salvation

4 Words of Life

15 Verses to Fight the Quarantine Blues