Matthew 5:14-16 –
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others…”
I know I talk a lot on this page about shining bright and pursuing our God-given dreams and callings, but I wanted to really go deeper and explain why I talk so much about this. I believe, as children of God and thus, children of the light, we are called to be light-bearers here on Earth. Vessels for HIS glory, not our own. Vessels that He may choose to use in unique ways to reflect His light and image to the world around us.
2 Corinthians 4:7 –
“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing
greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.”
I believe it is our duty to really search our souls and ask ourselves, “How does God want to use me as a vessel for HIS honor and glory during my time here on Earth?” And whatever that is, take a small step of obedience in that direction and watch as He blesses and provides guidance to get you exactly where He wants you. And you never know, He may just take you somewhere beyond your wildest dreams…but maybe that’s
exactly where He wanted you all along…
This small business (well... not-so-small anymore!) is a perfect example of this. As a sweet friend said to me so perfectly the other day, “It is like you were just painting for fun on your kitchen table, and then all of the sudden you are now running a full-blown lettering art business.” And yes, that is 100% accurate. Never in my wildest dreams did I plan for Emily Mabry Creative to reach as many people as it has and cover so many cities, towns, and colleges. But what a sweet, sweet blessing it has been to experience. And a testament to what GOD can do in and through us, when we have a little faith and add in a whole lot of hard work and perseverance. This business has been such a joy and a blessing to both my husband and I, and I can’t believe I get to make happy, meaningful artwork for so many of you! I smile so big every single time I see you post a photo of your EMC designs on your walls, or when you send happy cards to your family and friends.
For me, this business is a passion and has given me a platform to spread light and love through what I love to do more than anything in the world – create. Creating doesn’t mean just creating art, but rather, creating something that brings joy, light, and love into the lives of others. I love creating special, not perfect, lettering art that showcases the beauty and joy of God’s creation. Because, after all, HE is the Master Crafter and Creator. We here on Earth are just image-bearers and reflections of His glory.
2 Corinthians 3:18 - “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
He is the Potter; we are simply the clay. And the most beautiful part about this concept is the fact that, at the end of it all, it is never up to us. The potter is molding and shaping us into exactly who He created us to be for our good and His glory.
We are simply the work of His hands.
Isaiah 64:8 –
“But now, O LORD, You are our Father, We are the clay, and You our potter;
And all of us are the work of Your hand.”
When God is the one behind, before, and in every single one of your decisions and actions, it takes away any fear and insecurity. Because, after all, you are working for HIM, not yourself. As long as you are letting the Lord build your house,
He can use you in amazing ways for His glory.
Psalm 139:5-12 –
“You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”
The Lord gives and takes away. Life comes in seasons. Seasons of joy. Seasons of sorrow. But God is the same through it all, and as a best friend of mine said so wisely the other day, He never wavers. While life around us may be constantly changing, our security and confidence in Jesus Christ is the same today, tomorrow, and for eternity. The light and love of Jesus never fades away and will follow you wherever you go and whatever you do.
John 8:12 –
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
He loves you and me more than we could ever comprehend or fathom. And no matter what we have done in our past or may do in our future, we can rest knowing that we are holy and loved because of what Christ did for us, not because of our own actions and striving. When we rest in this love and acceptance, we are able to live in the freedom and joy that
Christ has called us to as children of the light.
1 Thessalonians 5:5 – “You are all children of the light…”
So, as children of the light, let’s shine God’s love and glory in all that we do.
To Him be all the glory forever and ever. Amen!
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