My journey began as an empty canvas, waiting for the Master Painter’s creative touch. Looking back, I could have never imagined what it would become. Today, I find myself reflecting on the process that started as a simple sketch. From that sketch, the Master began to add shape and color, breathing life into what the image would ultimately become.
Each brushstroke was applied with precision, gradually bringing to life a portrait of my life experiences. As more detail was added, the images of past events became more recognizable. To my surprise, the painting revealed memories long forgotten, even those I had deliberately hidden away. It was clear that nothing was overlooked—every victory and every defeat, every smile and every tear was applied to the canvas with loving care.
Some colors the Master used were vibrant and dramatic, highlighting joyful moments, while others appeared dull and gray, deepening the remembrance of painful experiences. It seemed that my entire life journey was merging together in a rainbow of vivid colors alongside clouds of muted tones. Every brushstroke was meticulously applied with a specific purpose in mind.
The Master Painter continues his work today, and the image he envisioned from the very beginning is nearing completion. The past has merged with the present, and what I see is an honest and true representation of my life thus far. However, there is still more to be done—I am still a work in progress, and that excites me. As I continue to be shaped into the likeness of Jesus Christ, I expect that my portrait will no longer resemble what it does today, but will instead reflect the image of my dear Savior more than ever. As I contemplate the future, I hold on to the promise that “He who began a good work in me will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, ESV).
A day is coming soon when my life story will perfectly align with the Master’s vision of it. This will result in a completed masterpiece that will join countless others displayed in the Gallery of the Most High. At that time, all of creation will recognize the Artist’s signature, which will eternally affirm that these masterpieces were initiated, perfected, and completed by the Creator Himself: our Lord Jesus Christ.
Each of us has been traveling toward our final destination. Your journey, like my own, began as an empty canvas. A process of sanctification has been taking place since the moment you accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord. As your journey continues to this day a portrait of your life is being perfected into a masterpiece. The last brushstrokes are being applied and soon your portrait will be completed.
On that glorious day when you meet the Master face to face, he will display his finished work before all who are watching, and everyone will stand in awe of the masterpiece that you have become. Until then “we press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippeans 3:14, NIV).
We may not be finished yet, but soon we will be. As a work in progress our journey will continue to pass through the battlefields of life. We will press on through the trials, afflictions, and attacks of the evil one, knowing that these difficulties are the means by which God uses to shape us into the masterpiece we were always intended to be.
My hope and prayer is that “Warning Signs” will serve as an encouragement to readers who, like myself, are facing the challenges that arise from living in a lost and broken world. We are in the last days, during which the birth pangs of evil are becoming more frequent and intense. The forces of darkness are breaking through the walls of righteousness. However, we do not have to be overcome by intimidation and fear, for even in the darkest times, Jesus shines as our guiding light. During the fiercest storms, Jesus can lead us to safe harbors. In our deepest pain, He can embrace us with a healing love that cannot be explained but can only be experienced. Jesus Christ can show us the way. He can reveal the truth we need. And he can lead us on the narrow road that leads to life. He can do this because, as John 14:6 (NIV) reminds us, “He is the way, the truth, and the life.”
“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-25, NIV)
Your fellow traveler in Christ,
Rick Wooten