 Do you ever have trouble starting something new that requires inspiration? Like writing a paper, creating an art project or tackling a challenge at work? If you don't struggle in this area I congratulate you. If you do I have a story to tell. I was at church one night when in my mind's eye I saw a picture of Jesus grinning by a large barrel. "Come here," he said and proceeded to pour me a glass of something. Only slightly hesitant I saw myself taking it and drinking it. Afterwards I asked, "So what is this?" "It's inspiration," Jesus said, patting the top of the barrel, "And this belongs to you."  "Me?" I looked down and thought I saw something swimming in my glass. As I peered closely it was like a tiny movie was playing in the reflection of the liquid. Was I literally drinking a new story? "Yes. Do you remember the old Greek legend about the muses?" "The beings that inspired creativity?" He nodded. "It was believed that artists had to appease them, and even chase them. Many people still view their creative gifts that way. That inspiration will strike when you least expect it, and if you don't drop everything and cater to the thought or idea it will vanish. Who knows when it will strike again? It's easy to become a slave to the process if you are constantly dropping important things to chase inspiration." "I'm very familiar with that thought process. Is that how creativity really is?" "In part. It's true ideas can come out of nowhere but the lie appears when you believe you have no control when an idea will come. You see this barrel? In my kingdom inspiration is always on tap. In fact there are whole rooms in Heaven devoted to inspiration and stories not yet born. Because you are my daughter you can dip into them any time you ask."  And that promise has remained true even years later. I have never been left high and dry without a creative word or picture to paint. It doesn’t always hit instantly, but if I wait and ask it always comes. This takes a lot of fear out of creating because I know I will have something to work with. God provides the raw materials and then we get to sculpt them together. Maybe you feel like you have to chase inspiration in your area of influence and that it often eludes you. I encourage you to ask God to give you access to the inspiration He has gifted you, both now and into the future. Why don't you take a moment and ask? If you need help you can read along with the pray below. Heavenly father, thank you for being good and for the areas of influence You have given me. I ask for the creativity and inspiration to help those around me and to grow. Give me access to the divine thoughts and strategies You have already established in Heaven so that I can walk out my calling. I choose to receive them and to wait on your timing. Thank You. I'm excited for the new stories and inspiration that is waiting to flow through you. The world needs what you are going to bring forth.  |