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At the time of writing this, 33% of you said your biggest barrier to fulfilling your creative purpose is actually knowing what God’s plan is for your talent in the first place.
Event Sponsor Devin Smith (on right) Congratulates Winner Patro Ulmer
You’ve watched the following artist grow right here in our ALFG group, in his career and even with the projects he’s launched. Like many of us, Devin Smith knows that God wants him to do something with his talent. But unlike many, how did he go from talk to action?
I asked him and here’s what he had to say:
1. Devin, do you believe that these steps you’ve recently taken were part of your “Creative Purpose”? How
did you go about seeking God?
Absolutely. I think that all of the things I have moved on (the comic book, the new job, and a special project I can’t talk too much about right now), are part of my creative purpose. As a matter of fact, it was in my decision to get back on the horse with doing what God called me to do with the comic book that I was blessed with the opportunity to take my design career to the next level.
2. Does hearing God come easy or did you have to make any adjustments?
I had to make adjustments for sure, but hearing from Him was not difficult. It was paying attention enough to realize where He was speaking. I had people from all directions telling me that I needed to do a 180 and start the comic book again. After a good friend grabbed me by the ear and made me pay attention, I had to go on a fast in order to stop and hear God. What happened after hearing God and deciding to obey was an opportunity to show my comic to a larger audience.
The following day I got a call from an old work acquaintance wanting me to join him at another company where I would be doing more creative work and making a lot more money. I have been in that position for about two and half weeks now, and love it. And this was after God had already moved me from one job earlier this year and had already increased my income.
3. What would you tell other creative people that are struggling to know what God’s plan is for them from your experience?
Don’t look for a burning bush, it is most likely not coming. Look for God in the Godly people He has placed in your life that care about your success. Look for Him in His Word. Listen to your heart. My feelings clouded me, but when I stopped the presses and really listened to my own heart, I knew that I had to go face what I had run away from. Some of you just need to start.
DON’T WORRY ABOUT WHETHER YOU ARE DOING IT EXACTLY THE WAY GOD WANTS YOU TO JUST YET. If you follow your heart, not just your head, you will likely be close. He can redirect you when you are moving pretty easily, but it is up to you to move. Don’t get caught up in, “I am just waiting on God.” Most of the time He is waiting on you. He will let you know when you need to stop.
What questions do you have for Devin or what can you share with others who are still seeking direction from God concerning their talent? Post it in the comments below:
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@Sandra-
I hear yah! I thought the same way and for years it caused a form of “paralysis” of ideas…ideas with no action!
Tony-
I thought that I had to have everything figured out too, but I’ve learned that I don’t. You just have act on your inspiration.
Praise God that my walk was able to help somebody.
@Josh – email me: devin@artofdevin.com. Check out comicsrack.com to see the comics we have and connect with us on Facebook at the Brotherhood of Comic Artists. A big part of me getting back on the horse was having people around to spur me on, especially other comic artists.
@Lew – Praise the Lord, bro! Rock on!
@Anonymous – Absolutely. I just spoke of how this helped me with art, but God used this to help me learn how to make decisions in general as well!
Much love,
Devin
Great feedback, gang!
@Lew- I also like what Devin says about not waiting for a “burning bush”. That causes so many creative people to sit on their ideas while never pulling the trigger!
@Josh- Hey!! That’s great to hear about your graphic novel! be sure to reach out to Devin offline as well. I’m sure it would be continued encouragement!
@Anonymous- Thanks for chiming in! You are so right that this feedback is applicable to life decisions in general!
Tony-
This is a big encouragement, especially since I’m in the process of creating a graphic novel of my own. Thank you Devin for your testimony!
Tony – This post is great advice, thank you for sharing it.
I especially connect w/question #2:Does hearing God come easy or did you have to make any adjustments?
For me, personally, I’d answer this, “yes,and yes.” I have recently learned that I was quenching the Holy Spirit with all of my fretting and questions, and, yes, even with my prayers. What I was NOT doing was being still and knowing that He is God. I was not listening.
Like Devin I had to quiet down, stop asking questions, focus upon the Lord, and suddenly His still, small voice emerged clearly.
I also connect w/Devin’s closing remarks; “Don’t look for a burning bush, it is most likely not coming. Look for God in the Godly people He has placed in your life… Look for Him in His Word. Listen to your heart. Some of you just need to start.”
Last year, I just simply got busy making art. It took faith to rely upon God as to where and how that art might be used. It took courage to simply make what seemed to be right for me at this place and time. As a result, God has gifted me with my first Featured Artist Show. This experience has enlarged my confidence, and deepened my relationship w/God in that I know His voice now. I hear him all the time and listening for Him I am able to say in faith; “Here am I Lord!”
Blessings & Creativity
That’s a good interview-can be applicable beyond the artisphere.