Masterpiece

It’s been said Van Gogh was able to turn deep pain into incomparable beauty. I think that’s also a perfect description of Jesus. But it’s said less often of him than the painter, because so many either believe they deserve their pain as punishment, or have been in pain so long, it’s become part of their identity. The amazing art Jesus would create of their lives still lays on the palette, waiting not for the artist to be willing to create, but the canvas to be willing to change.

I know it’s not easy to let go of what you’ve become dependent on to define your identity, even if it’s pain. But I know from experience if you’ll give God access to all your wounds, bitterness, self–pity, judgments, failures, and disappointments, he turns them into a masterpiece that brings hope, healing, and joy to everyone who sees the real you.

“When Jesus saw him lying there and understood how long he’d been in this condition, he first asked him, “Do you want to be well?” (John 5:6).

“You’ve turned my anguish into joyful dancing! You’ve freed me from rags of sorrow and wrapped me in joy” (Psalm 30:11).