Finding Hope in the Midst of Trials

Cheryl Wilson, Abstract Christian Artist

June 4, 2023

Romans 8:28

12″ x 12″ “Self Reflection”

As I traveled the path to upstate New York, I was reminded how much this highway has changed in the 40 years I have traveled this path. The house, once filled with laughter of my mother in law is empty and lonely only filled with noise when we visit. When I talk to my mother in law as she sits in her chair, she asks about her home she once loved but can no longer live in. She knows she is weak and fragile and needs care around the clock but longs for what once was and this makes her sad.

Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, triumphs and challenges, joys and sorrows. In the midst of it all, there are moments when we may feel sad, lonely, or overwhelmed by the circumstances we face. During these times, it can be difficult to find a glimmer of hope or a sense of purpose. However, in the depths of our struggles, there is a powerful verse in the Bible that offers a continued beacon of light – Romans 8:28.

Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” These words carry a profound message of hope and assurance, reminding us that even in the saddest moments, God is at work, orchestrating something beautiful from the brokenness. While my mother in law is fragile, God still has purpose for her.

At first glance, it may be challenging to comprehend how all things can work for our good when we look at her weak and sad. When we are faced with this sadness, perhaps pain, or adversity, it can be difficult to see any purpose or meaning behind her current suffering. Yet, Romans 8:28 invites us to trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He is in control and actively working behind the scenes to bring about His purpose in her life.

This verse reminds us that God is not confined by our circumstances. He has the remarkable ability to transform even the most painful and challenging situations into something that ultimately serves His greater plan. It is through our trials that our faith is refined, our character is shaped, and our reliance on God deepens.

However, it’s important to note that Romans 8:28 does not guarantee a life free from sadness, hardship or suffering. It doesn’t mean that every difficult situation will magically turn into a positive outcome according to our own understanding. Instead, it reassures us that God is present in every circumstance, working through them for our ultimate good, according to His divine wisdom.

When we embrace this truth, it changes our perspective and gives us the strength to persevere and understand. We can find comfort in knowing that our pain has a purpose and that God can use every trial we face to bring about His redemption and glory. It’s a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that we can lean on God’s grace, mercy, and love to carry us through.

Romans 8:28 is an invitation to surrender our worries, fears, and doubts to God. It’s a call to trust His plan, even when it seems incomprehensible or beyond our understanding. It reminds us that our journey is part of a grand tapestry, and every thread, no matter how dark or difficult, plays a vital role in the greater picture that God is painting.

So, when you find yourself in the midst of trials, remember Romans 8:28. Hold onto the promise that God is at work, weaving something beautiful out of the broken pieces of your life. Trust in His faithfulness, lean on His strength, and find hope in knowing that He can turn even the most painful circumstances into avenues for His good and glorious purposes.

May Romans 8:28 be a source of encouragement and inspiration, reminding you that even in the midst of the storms, there is a divine plan unfolding, and God is working all things together for your good.

Confidence

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Cheryl Wilson, Abstract Christian Artist

I paint intuitively by embracing spontaneity to allow passionate paintings to be born through a transforming layering process of acrylics and inks. Each layer informs the next story of paint. In addition to layers often you will find sand, coffee, glass beads or perhaps even a gum wrapper invoking the question of what story is being revealed. I paint what I feel, how I feel, and each found object in my art continues that story. It is my hope that you find a connection to my work and might, if only for a moment, become captivated and feel something within yourself. The art I create are visual expressions of my inner soul, spirit and passion. Once a corporate entrepreneur trapped inside a suit and wearing heels, the desire to put my feelings, thoughts, and emotions on canvas became too powerful. The life-changing event that turned the corporate pen into a paintbrush was the dark world of Alzheimer’s that struck my mother. I could not wait any longer to paint in the event that world captured me as well. Leaving the boardroom behind, what has emerged is a new language expressed on canvas. This language expresses the freedom and unbound passion to create and let my art direct itself without fear or influences that has previously stifled my intuitive style. Constantly moving around the world, staying in one place no longer than three years at one time, living in the back of a musician’s studio, provided the opportunity to meet vast numbers of different people from all walks of life. These experiences set the canvas for the style of abstracts I paint because I find these people, locations, and experiences are represented in each painting in some way.

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