Behind the Scenes

You may have seen her sad story during the news cast of the Chattanooga tornadoes Easter night. A woman’s vehicle stalled on a bridge and swept away in the flood. Stories like these leave me feeling helpless and sick. There was nothing I could have done to prevent it, did she know Jesus? We see the signs all around us that Jesus is soon to return. Like the Easter flood many will be caught off guard. I want them to know, I want them to be ready! What I do seems so small compared to the need of our world. I asked God to give me a ministry, something to do for Him. He answered– He handed me a brush and told me to paint. Should I question Him now? Did I hear Him right?

I am reminded of the story of Elisha and His servant. They were severely outnumbered.  “Then Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!’ The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.” 2 Kings 6:17 Just because I can’t see it does that mean that God is standing by watching helplessly? No, a hundred time no! Once in a while like Elisha’s servant I get a small glimpse into the behind-the-scenes. Stories of how my paintings have made their way to people at just the right moment. Recently I received a letter from a man in prison. He had watched the TV interview where I told my story and he was touched. He was especially drawn to the painting with Psalm 92 on it. Months later the interview was again aired. I will let Him finish the story. “This time I prayed that God might let me have one of your pictures. I didn’t have to wait long. The very next night each of us inmates were handed care packages of various hygiene items a book and cards. I was so excited to see that I didn’t have one, but five pictures!” He went on to say how he shared my story with several other inmates who were also touched.

Remember the woman who’s vehicle stalled on the bridge? Not long after receiving the letter from the inmate, another story was related to me and like Elisha my eyes were again opened to a glimpse of a bigger picture. I will let a dear servant of God relay the story in her words. “A sweet young single mom I was mentoring in the Renew program at Calvary Chapel sadly was swept away in the floods of our neighboring county when her vehicle stalled on a bridge… I have been sending her one of your cards once a week for about 15 months. She had accepted Jesus in our jail ministry and was doing so well at Renew! She was home for Easter… your cards have such a huge impact!!” This story touched me deeply. I return to my desk hands outstretched “Here are my hands God, please use them how you deem best.”