Media: Mixed.

Scripture: He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4, NLT.

Emma’s Faith Statement: The verse that inspired my artwork was Revelation 21:4. In 2020, I felt like no matter what I did, I was suffocated with loss–whether that was of friends, loved ones, or even a sense of normalcy. Everything around me felt so chaotic, as I showed through the ripped, dark images surrounding the figures in my artwork.

In the midst of that chaos, Jesus met me in the moments where I needed Him the most. I felt Him reach to that little girl still inside me, wipe away her tears, and tell her it’s all going to be okay. I have represented this by Jesus’s hand touching the little girl’s face. I know things still don’t feel okay, but that comfort sticks with me when it matters. I wanted that moment to have a stark contrast from the surrounding darkness, which is why I changed my medium and painted the section with my portrait as a child and Jesus’s hand. I’m very proud of how the final piece turned out.

Copyright © Emma S., 2021

Used by Permission for Great Commission Artists Ministries

The post Reaching Through first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

Medium: Graphite Pencils.

Scripture: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea . . . Psalm 46:1-2 NIV.

Lucy’s Faith Statement: I am seeking God during this time by doing a Bible study and praying my way through each day. God is inspiring me to be the hands and feet of Jesus by serving the people around me during Covid. God is strengthening me to trust him more and his plan for me. The pandemic has changed me to think about my blessings every day and to be content and grateful with what I have in the moment.

My faith influences my future, because now I see that God provides in every circumstance, and He has a plan for each of us. This encourages me to walk in faith and do what God calls me to do in the world.

Copyright © Lucy T., 2021

Used by Permission for Great Commission Artists Ministries

The post Safe Refuge first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

Medium: Mixed Media.

Scripture: He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalm 46:10, NIV.

Rachel’s Faith Statement: The meaning of my art is finding peace in Christ despite the craziness of the world. I have depicted this peace and stillness by the white column that resembles clarity. Inversely, I used the media of pastels, watercolors, and ink sporadically with many layers in order to visually overload the piece to fully encapsulate the hectic and crazy state of our world.

Within this season of immense changes and unpredictability, I have been refreshed by the attributes of God and the ways God is working in my life. In relation to His character, God’s consistency has been an excellent reminder that all my trust should be in Him since the world is obviously fallible. Within numerous situations, God has turned circumstances in my life that were meant for evil into situations of growth and goodness. Since I am a child of God, my citizenship is in heaven, making earth my temporary, interim home. Realizing that the end goal is eternity and that my Father in heave is preparing a place for me gives me a lot of hope. I do not have to worry about my day-to-day life, because my hope is put in Jesus who has a big house in heaven with a space just for me.

My artwork shows that regardless of your opinions, beliefs, or connections, 2020 has been hard for everyone, but God offers rest and renewal. All we need is to be still.

Copyright © Rachel L., 2021

Used by Permission for Great Commission Artists Ministries.

The post Still first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

Medium: Charcoal.

Scripture: Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:1-4 NIV.

Grace’s Faith Statement: I thought about how a bird cares for its young and shelters them from the storm, much like how God shelters us, his children, in times of trouble. I have these verses memorized, so they immediately came to mind. This year, verses like these have been an important reminder that God remains in control, even in the hardest circumstances, like COVID-19.

I decided to draw a bald eagle, because eagles are large, strong and powerful creatures, similar to God’s might and power. They also have an enormous wingspan of up to more than seven feet. Bald eagles have incredible vision and are extremely attentive, just like how God sees us and meets our needs, no matter how big or small. They defend their young, like how God defends his children and stands up for us, and bald eagles are very nurturing animals, like how God is compassionate to his children and values intimate relationships with his children. Overall, the bald eagle exemplifies many of God’s character traits. In my artwork, I wanted to share the message that God is over us no matter what happens in our lives.

Copyright © Grace E., 2021

Used by permission for Great Commission Artists Ministries.

The post Wings Like Eagles first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

Media: Acrylic Paint, Ink, and Texture Paste.

Scripture: As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed though the battle wages against me, even though many oppose me. God who is enthroned from of old, who does not change–he will hear them and humble them, because they have no fear of God. Psalm 55:16-19.

Madeleine’s Faith Statement: This piece has been very meaningful to me. I was inspired by Psalm 55:16-19, because it talks about God hearing our cries and responding with his will. About a year ago, I started to get very sick; I have since received a diagnosis and begun treatment. Through this year, I have had to learn how position myself at the foot of the cross and accept news I do not like while also trusting God to carry me through pain that may or may not end. But through all of this, I have been so blessed by the Lord with peace, joy, and strength. This piece represents joy in all the difficult times of life.

The lightest canvas represents joyful worship. The dark blue signifies prayer in time of insecurity and change. The darkest shows how it feels to cry out to God in grief or pain. All three together symbolize the constant peace, love, and refuge of the cross and our wonderful Father.

Copyright © Madeleine L., 2021

Used by Permission for Great Commission Artists Ministries.

The post A Prayer in a Storm first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

Medium: Acrylic Paints.

Scriptures: For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities–his eternal power and divine nature–have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:20 NIV.

Scripture: Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8 NIV.

Luke’s Faith Statement: I chose these Bible verses, because I like how they tie in both aspects of God being our refuge and being in nature. In Psalm 62, it talks about God being a mighty fortress, a rock that cannot be shaken. This is why the mountains are central in this painting, to show that even during difficult times, God will always be there. The reason that I chose Romans 1:20 is because of my love of nature. I go hiking up in Duluth, and whenever I climb over a peak, I see nature all around me. This makes me realize that there is a Designer behind all of this, not caused by chance. This encourages my faith. By using these two verses, through my art I can show the depiction of God’s creation, as well as through my mountains show that God will never crumble or fall away. He will always be there when we need His protection and His strength.

Copyright © Luke S., 2021

Used by Permission for Great Commission Artists Ministries.

The post My Mighty Rock, My Refuge first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

Scripture: He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV.

Megan’s Faith Statement:

In April of 2020, I accepted a job at a greenhouse. I had no idea how much I would grow to love every moment. The friends I made have become like family, and the experiences I’ve had have changed me into who I am today. This job was an unexpected treasure for me, something that at the time I desperately needed but never thought I would obtain. It has now become more than just a job to me; it is a part of my life I never want to forget.

I tied the verse Ecclesiastes 3:11 into my art because it talks about God putting eternity in our hearts so we cannot find out everything He has done for us. I have no doubt this was a part of His plan, and it was absolutely not something I could have foreseen. The painting lays out the scene of a mundane greenhouse leading to a beautiful garden path, which is exactly the feeling I get when I think of my unexpected treasure. My painting even features my actual work boots!

Copyright © Megan V.B., 2021

Used by permission for Great Commission Artists ministries

The post Unexpected Treasure first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

Medium: Graphite Pencil

Scripture: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1, NIV.

Hannah’s Faith Statement: God is inspiring and strengthening me throughout the year. I feel like He has shown me that I need to look up towards Him and not down at what is happening in our world today. He is lifiting and encouraging me to see Him and only Him through the pandemic. People want to focus on the negative and always want to talk about COVID, etc., but I have felt God wants me to look up towards Him and rely on Him for safety.

Art has always been an escape outlet for me for as long as I can remember. It has become very therapeutic for me over the years and has become a time where I can just have time to think. I have come to a point in my art progression where it’s almost muscle memory for me now. I don’t really have to thinking much about what I am doing anymore and just get lost win thought. This has allowed me to reflect and spend time with God

My drawing is of my Dad’s hands holding mind to reflect how he protects our family and me. It also symbolizes how our Heavenly Father holds us in His hands and protects jus. I realized through this pandemic that I didn’t eerily on God as much as I should have. It’s sad t me to think that it took a global pandemic in order for me to have full reliance and trust in Christ.

My faith influences my view of the future drastically. It helps me keep things in perspective of what really matters now. Even if at the moment it might not feel like it, nothing happens by accident. God uses moments/years like 2020 to stretch us and help us develop in our faith. In the future when I look back on this year, I know I will see how Good used this year for His glory and that He had a purpose for me during this point of time.

Copyright © Hannah F., 2021

Used by Permission for Great Commission Artists ministries.

The post Refuge first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

Medium: Video.

Scripture: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1, NIV.

Scripture: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28, NIV.

Scripture: Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. James 1:2, NIV.

Brandon’s Faith Statement: I am seeking God through nature, silence, and solitude during the coronavirus. I have always felt a pull to go outside and be more grounded with the earth. I have been going on runs, walks, and enjoying the weather. While walking, I listen to music and pray. I have also been reading my Bible before bed.

God has been strengthening me by putting me through experiences to help me achieve the things I have prayed for. I have become much more grateful for time spent with others and in God’s creation. My faith influences my view of the future by making me a lot more introspective, and I have been contemplating life a lot more. My Bible class and Dr. Carlson have been very helpful with that.

I am able to have hope for the future, and I understand that bad things can happen to anyone. It’s about how you reason with difficult situations that builds character. I have grown to take refuge in Him. You have a different outlook on life when you know He created you and loves you.

Copyright © Brandon M., 2021

Used by Permission for Great Commission Artists ministries.

The post God As Refuge first appeared on Great Commission Artists.

Medium: Graphite Pencil.

Scripture: How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. Psalm 36:7, NIV.

Scripture: I long to dwell in our tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Psalm 61:4, NIV.

Elianna’s Faith Statement: I realized during the pandemic that I have been taking for granted the ability to see my friends. I have struggled with a feeling of isolation and trying to understand why God would let the pandemic happen. I didn’t even know what Zoom was until COVID happened!

As a result of this, I am seeking God to know Him more so I can help others. God has given me endurance and is teaching me to trust Him. I have learned that anything can happen in our life, and how we get through the tough times well depends on if we trust God to get us through them. My drawing has been created to look like a pair of wings coming from heaven to cast their shadow on the children of God to protect us.

Being home has been a good time to know my family more. In going back to school, I have been able to get to know friends again and look forward to the future.

Copyright © Elianna D., 2021

Used by permission for Great Commission Artists Ministries.

The post Under the Shadow of His Wings first appeared on Great Commission Artists.