I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. —Philippians 1:3-6 NIV

I once witnessed a portrait demonstration in Bradenton, Florida, sponsored by the Portrait Society of America. Artist Mary Qian stood in front of the canvas, her left foot behind her right, her brush raised like a conductor’s wand. She flicked and dabbed, transforming a blank canvas into the living likeness of her model. Her color choices were bold and intentional, each shape and hue breathing life into the image. It was the most graceful display of painting I have ever seen. As the creator, she was intimately involved in every detail, refusing to quit until the work was complete.

That demonstration left an impression on me—not just as an artist, but as someone who sees parallels between the creative process and how God works in our lives. Just as Mary Qian was present for every brushstroke, God is present and intentional in shaping us.

As an artist, I must commit to finishing what I start before I begin. Of course, I could abandon a painting if I decided it’s not worth the investment. I have that freedom. But God never does. He never breaks a promise. He does everything He says He will do, including finishing His masterpiece—you.

This truth is echoed in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, where he assures believers that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”  Paul continues praying, “… that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God”  (1:9b-11 NIV).

The Philippian church was the first Christian church in Europe, and Paul reassured them of the all-sufficiency of Jesus, no matter their circumstances. He reminded them—and us—that God is always at work within those who trust Him. “For it is God who works in you to will and to act to fulfill his good purpose”  (Philippians 2:13 NIV).

God was working in the surrendered Christ-followers in Philippi 2,000 years ago, and He continues to create masterpieces today. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”  (Ephesians 2:10 NIV emphasis mine).

Even when I don’t neglect the needed planning, my artistic efforts often end up in the graveyard of abandoned canvases. How different God’s process is! Long before we took our first breath, He planned our days and our purpose. As we walk with Him, we are shaped by the loving hands of the Creator who first imagined us by loving, forgiving, and chastening us into the likeness of Jesus.

Ironically, one of the things I love most about oil painting is that it is a forgiving medium. I can wipe away mistakes, move paint around, or even redeem an abandoned canvas with a fresh start. Similarly, are there marks on the canvas of your life that you’re not proud of? God makes all things new! Your shortcomings don’t hinder His redemptive work—they prove how deeply Jesus’ sacrifice was needed. The Creator and Perfecter of our faith will never give up on you, and one day you will hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. It is finished” (from Matthew 25:21 NIV).

Father, thank You for the promises in Your Word that reassure me You are not finished with me yet. Renew my mind and shape me into a new creation, reclaiming the canvas of my life until I reflect Jesus. Amen.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and
peace in believing, that you may abound in hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13 NJKV)

Marlene McKenna

Sweet Selah Ministries

Vision
To inspire a movement away from the belief that “busy is better”
and toward the truth of God’s Word that stillness and knowing
Him matter most—and will be reflected in more effective work and service

Mission
To offer biblical resources and retreats that help women pause (Selah)
and love God more deeply as they know Him more intimately (Sweet)

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