Cooperative Mural Painting

So after a successful Tag Team Painting, Tom and I were going to try something all new. I have painted before on a three canvases put together–Life, Love & Hope– but I had never painted with another artist before on the same canvas at the same time.

We worked on the concept the day before. It was going to be someone with their arms outstretched worshipping God. He would be engulfed in flames or on fire for God. That concept changed that night while I was listening to Switchfoot down at the main stage. I was feeling led to use the painting as an illustration of what I had been going through this week. The loneliness, attacks, testing trials and then God bringing me out of it. I trusted and leaned on God and He wanted me to share.

The concept would now be split into two. One side would be the guy with his arm lifted to heaven, worshiping and reaching for God. The other side would be reaching for the world with Satan dressed as a slick business man on his side. I felt like I wanted to give in to Satan but I wanted to glorify God. This was my struggle this past week. It was a strong and difficult battle. But I overcame with God's help.

Once we began, I couldn't paint fast enough. God had laid this message on my heart and I wanted to share it. I pushed hard and probably finished too early. But I needed to share and God gave me a crowd. I bore it all and shared my heart. It all came out. I have no idea who needed to hear it but I believe someone did. I needed to experience it.

I thank Tom for his willingness to paint with me. It was an honor and pleasure to share a few canvases with him. And if you're in the market for a good bulldog, tell him I sent you.

God is great and I thank him for a wonderful week, the ups and the downs. For He was there during it all.