oil on canvas
48" x 36"
March, 2005
[COMMISSIONED]
The inspiration for this abstract painting came from a study I was doing with a group of friends recently. We were reading in the beginning of the New Testament about the miracles Jesus did during his time here on earth. From turning water into wine at a wedding feast, to bringing a little girl back from the dead, it’s an understatement to say that Jesus was full of power, capable of accomplishing any feat he wanted.
My initial intent was to paint something which would convey a feeling of the infinite power that God still has today — the idea that his strength and influence are completely limitless. However, once I got into this painting I was struck just as deeply by another thought.
For how mighty He is, sometimes the God of the universe decides to use miniscule me in accomplishing His plans. He could easily get done what He wants to on His own, but that isn’t how He always works. If I will simply ask, this all-Holy and perfect God can make the darkness of my sinful human heart clean — embracing me with His light and making me useful.
So what started as a tribute to the unending miraculous power of God, has turned out to be more of an amazement at how God uses imperfect people. Despite my inadequacies, failures, and selfish attitudes, GOD CAN USE ME for good if I am simply willing and available. This is amazing to me.
“I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.”
— Psalm 78: 12-14
[ The painting called "infinite power" can be viewed in person as part of the Harvest Community Church permanent collection of paintings. http://www.harvestcommunity.org ]
