I’m always astounded at the number of people I talk to who tell me they aren’t creative. Many of us are duped into believing this lie. Sometimes, we need to be reminded that our first introduction to God was as Creator. A few verses later, in Genesis 1:27, we are told that we are created in God’s image. Therefore, we all have the ability to be creative in one way or another.
I want to share with you some ways that God has used my creative journey to know Him more deeply and how that journey led to ministering to others. I hope this will spark a desire in you and your ministry to expand your ideas of how God can use you.
Start by making it personal.
You can’t teach or share something that you haven’t spent time exploring with God on your own. Step back and look at where God has you in your journey and how you could incorporate it into something hands-on. I love learning through creativity and using my imagination because the truth tends to stick with me longer.
Years ago, I attended a women’s conference in a small church. I found my way to a breakout class that taught us about the many names of God, much of which was new information to me. The teacher spoke about getting to know God in a deeper way through the study of His names. I went home inspired to begin to know God through His names. I started by picking a name, finding all the places it appeared in Scripture and then printing each name on a piece of paper, along with the Scripture I found most meaningful. Then, I would layer that with other pieces of paper and found objects, flowers, leaves, feathers, seeds, and things that seemed to fit with that attribute or description of God. I used these things to make a simple collage.
Over time, these grew more elaborate, and I started asking my friends what name of God spoke to them. I would then make and give them a collage to keep of their favorite name. Eventually, this led to a ministry of praying for individuals in need and asking God to speak to me while working on a piece of art based on those prayers. This is just my example of how God took something that I was interested in—paper art, things from nature, found objects—and used them to make something for someone while praying for them.
I can also find creativity in hearing or learning from God in something as simple as a walk around the park. Many instances, I have picked out a Scripture and let it live in my head while I walked and took cues from the things I saw to let God speak to me. I’ve done the same with a song, a name of God, or someone I’m praying for. It’s amazing how God uses those visuals to bring light into what I’m focused on.
Bring what you have learned to share and inspire others.
I had no idea that my quest for knowing God through His names would eventually develop into a prayer ministry. Sitting at my drawing table poring over Scripture and engaging my mind in the art process kept me engaged in my prayers much longer than usual. I also discovered that I would add elements into a picture even though I didn’t understand why they should be included, yet the person I prayed for would have an answer as to why it was there. On one occasion I randomly placed two old decorative clock hands in one collage. The recipient exclaimed that he noticed they were pointing to 3:00, and God had been waking him up at 3:00 every morning to meet with Him. We both were blessed to see how God spoke to him.
I have a friend who hosts a community group in her home on Wednesday nights. Her gift of hospitality and cooking blesses many of us and gives us a much-needed retreat. I have another friend who takes photos on her phone at our church during funerals, baptisms, and events. She then makes each person a scrapbook using an online scrapbook program as a keepsake for the occasion. Another friend, along with the women of her church, came together to make a hand-sewn bag full of devotionals and encouraging things for a family whose child was killed in a school shooting.
Other examples could include preparing a meal and praying for the person before, during, and after your preparation. Ask God to bring verses from Scripture to your mind as you are working. Make a list of what God spoke to you on the back of your recipe card along with encouragement, and Scripture verses He may have given you. Start a journal for a grandchild or child, and every time God brings him or her to your mind while reading Scripture, write it in that journal to let the grandchild or child know what you were thinking or praying. For those who like to do canning, share your jams or veggies with your neighbors along with a prayer or word of encouragement. I could go on with examples from all walks of life, but I’ll let God speak to you about how He has uniquely equipped you to be creative.
We compartmentalize God, but He is much larger than any box we put Him in. Your gifts are not just for the church; they are for every area of your life. Yes, they are for the good of the local church and the kingdom but also for your enjoyment. God created you to enjoy your gifts and share them with others.
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
—Psalm 37:4
If you delight in Him, you will find that He is the desire of your heart.
Read more from Leigh Ann about worshiping God through creation.
ABOUT LEIGH ANN DANS
Leigh Ann Dans has been a graphic designer for Lifeway Women for the past twelve years and worked for Lifeway over thirty-one years. She loves spending time and making memories with her family. Her favorite things are to take nature walks, listen to her dad’s old timer stories, go on new adventures, and hear God speak through His Word.
