It was 2016, and the convictions of the Holy Spirit continued, and He pointed me to Matthew 16:26, who says, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul"? I saw the world I had lived in for so long as a reflection of itself and now only consisted in my life as a dependable paycheck leaving me unhappy as well as homesick, and I just wanted to go home. But where was home? He showed me as we painted this fourth one together. It is called Reflection, for it was a reflection of all that I knew of the world and was now replacing it with the truth in the reality of living for Jesus. It was time to go all in.
I was a product of the "no matter where you go, there you are" and "bloom where you are planted" philosophies to basically buck up, make your peace with your circumstances and do what you need to do. But this thinking had passed its expiration date a long time ago. Because God cares, the Holy Spirit opened my mind that now was the time to work for God as an artist. After all, it was what I was birthed for. The job description that Jesus needed me to fill was to gift His hope to others. He had me at "He needed me."
He needed the teaching and lessons I had undergone to share with others. His children were being bombarded with worldly wisdom and losing sight of His face. 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" I had a vision of not just my working world falling away but all of the world falling away. I saw the city of Minneapolis on fire. I assumed it was because I was burning bridges. And yes, that was part of it. I heard Luke 21:25 "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves." I saw the waters rising with no way out if I did not leave now.
Even as I was ready to go and that my "career" was no longer meant for me, this was a tough switch because steady paychecks rarely depend upon faith and provide for earthly treasures that make life "comfortable," but I went, hesitantly but willingly. My belief is in Jesus is stronger.
I found that the grass is greener on God's side. I am free indeed. Till the other side then.
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