Having worked as a creative for years, there honestly have been many days when creating something feels like trying to squeeze blood from a stone. There can be many reasons for this inertia, such as:

  • Creative block
  • Burnout
  • Fear
  • Disappointment
  • Mental health

Whether you’re working on a painting, a poem or an animation – you know it sometimes takes a lot just to sit down and actually create something. The inertia to get to work is real.

So the key question to ask right now is: What’s holding you back today? Whatever your reason, it’s time to take courage in God and get to work. Don’t be afraid.

Don’t be afraid to get started

Moses was given the monumental mission of leading God’s people out of Egypt – and immediately looked for reasons within himself not to take up the work.

He was afraid he was unqualified because he had no credentials, but God told Moses to look at what was in his hands, and made miracles happen starting with the staff Moses was holding.

He feared he was disqualified due to his speech impediment, but God provided Aaron who spoke well – teaching and helping the two brothers to begin the work of rescuing a nation.

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When we are daunted by the work that lies before us, don’t look within yourself or at the giants.

Look up towards God who calls, equips and qualifies you. Then get started!

Don’t be afraid to erase everything

On the flipside, it can be difficult to walk away or start over when we’ve already invested much time, effort and resources into something.

But we should take courage from people in the Bible who found the strength to walk away from their old lives and follow God.

  • Abraham left behind everything when God called him to something new
  • Nicodemus put aside his status as a Pharisee so he might be born again.
  • Paul switched lanes from persecuting to preaching after he met Jesus.

There are so many more who have stepped out in faith to paint a new and wonderful thing with their lives. If God is calling you to start over, do as He tells you to knowing He’s got your back.

Don’t be afraid that no one will see it

As creatives, our craft is first and always for an audience of One. Our primary concern isn’t getting eyeballs on our work, it’s about giving God glory with our gift.

Would we still do Kingdom work when no one sees it? Do we serve just as joyfully behind the curtains as we would on stage?

Are you content to be nameless?

These are questions that help to clarify the motivations behind why we do what we do.

Kingdom creatives will always need this kind of clarity to determine whether the heart with which we approach the work is good and pleasing to God.

Don’t be afraid if everyone sees it

Don’t be the one who hides their talent in the ground. God gave you that gift, so use it boldly for Him.

Be an artist who is unashamed and bold about your work for the Lord.

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We need to check our hearts to make sure that we are not embarrassed to be known as people who serve Christ.

Matthew 10:32 tells us: “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.”

Don’t be afraid to work hard

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” (Colossians 3:23)

God has put you on this planet for something only you can do, for someone only you can reach. Don’t lose sight of that.

So, roll your sleeves up and get stuck in. Don’t be afraid of the hard work you must put in. This is why you were created, so live out your purpose with courage and joy.

Do it all for the glory of God, knowing that He Himself will strengthen you and help you.