“There is a legend of an artist who had found the secret of a wonderful red that no other artist could imitate. He never told the secret of the color, but after his death an old wound was discovered over his heart. It revealed the source of the matchless hue in his pictures.
The moral of the legend is that no great achievement can be made, no lofty goal attained, nor anything of great value to the world accomplished, except at the cost of the heart’s blood.” –Streams in the Desert, pages 419-420
Image courtesy of Simon Howden/freedigitalphotos.net
Something of great value comes with a price. Yet we naturally desire that which is easy and pain free. We want more things, applause, or power, and
we resent loss.
Is this the way to knowing Christ as Lord?
“But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things…”
-Philippians 3:7-8a, NIV
In the mind of the Apostle Paul, his masterpiece was not found in his various accomplishments of the past. His masterpiece was chiseled out of increasing knowledge of his Lord, Jesus Christ. His story, unlike the one at the beginning of this post, is not a legend, but a testimony of total transformation.
Your story can be one of total transformation too.
Cease imitating others. Find freedom in realizing that you are one-of-a-kind, created to know the Savior who died for you.
What will you consider to be your masterpiece? Figuratively speaking, how much blood will you allow your heart to shed so that you may increasingly know Jesus Christ?
As God transforms you one degree at a time, may your matchless hue vivify the brokenhearted canvases around you.
Be you and paint.
This post is dedicated to my mother Roxie. Today would have been her 62nd birthday. Last month she entered Heaven and won her journey with breast cancer. As my sister and I read through her journals, we learn of her “old wounds” and the extent of the blood that her heart shed. We are comforted by the Source of her matchless hues of hope and strength that she displayed to all her knew her. Her Source: Jesus Christ Himself. All other ground is sinking sand…
My momma and me 🙂
So very blessed to have all if your family in our lives! And you are so so right All other ground is sinking sand!! Standing on the “Rock” with you!!!
Amen!!!!! I’m so honored to have known Roxie. Thankful she laid a foundation for you and is continuing to do so as you plunge into her words.
I think I’ll go “paint” now and surrender each thing that I have… you’re sweet Tracy. ~ Love you, Amy
Woot woot Amy! Paint away sister…Sending hugs to Maine 🙂
Precious Tracy, I never knew your mom, but as a mom with adult children, she can only be so proud of the woman God has grown you to be! I know I am. Love you so, Adele
Yes Adele, during our last conversation she told me how blown away she was by all that God has done in our lives. Such precious memories as I think about her today. Mommas need to be sure to tell their children how special they are. I will carry her words with me forever! Love ya friend 🙂
Terry: we are blessed by you too! Thank you for your comment and for reading 🙂
She sure did, didn’t she? Her actions and quiet obedience through suffering spoke volumes. The journals will be such a special gift to pass onto her grandchildren too :). So thankful for you J!