Canvas

Introduction:

How do you measure the value of an abstract painting? After all, what the artist sees, will probably be totally different than what the observer sees. A white canvas with a single black dot will cause people to stand around and say "Ooh!" "Ahh!" and then sell for a million dollars. But do the people really have a clue of what they are looking at? Chances are that the value is not really placed on the design that is on the canvas, but rather the signature of the artist at the bottom of the canvas. Through this study guide we want to help you discover the creative expression of God’s will for your life, and to find your place in His redemptive plan.

I. Read Ephesians 2:10

A. Canvas: The art of discovering God’s will

1. You and I equal a blank canvas

2. God in all of His creative genius equals the artist

3. Paint and the raw materials that He uses equals the experiences we have in life.

4. The brush in our hands equals MESS.

B. The Challenge

1. Let God paint the picture for your life, with the brush in His hand

2. Let Him choose the color schemes, the graphics, the scenery, and the materials that will bring to life His creation.

3. Let the stroke of the brush design something.

4. Different brush strokes and materials will create different textures, tones and finishes.

C. Read Psalms 51:10

Think about it, since Day 1, God has been creating. Today He is still creating new hearts and new lives.

D. The Trouble

1. When we offer our opinion of His artwork, we wrestle over the paintbrush.

2. God can not create anything of value if He is constantly having to pry our fingers off HIS paintbrush.

3. Instead of praying "Lord, bless what I’m doing" we need to start doing what HE is blessing. The Goal is more important than your role.

II. False Ideas of God’s Will

A. You have to give up everything!

1. You will have to give up fun, marry ugly, have 12 obnoxious children, take a vow of poverty, and live in an African hut

2. You have to live in misery

B. You’ll miss God’s will

God is too big to miss

Example: Every 150 years the planet Venus will pass in front of the sun for a 7 minute period, if you miss it, you’ll have to wait another 150 years to see it. The same is true for Halley’s Comet. But, this is not true when it comes to God’s will for you life!