The mother of invention

I am reminded of the power blackouts and load shedding we faced in South Africa a few years ago. I recall people I knew doing research into alternate sources of energy for powering their homes, now that the comfort of electricity was turned off for a number of hours per day. Amongst my family it was a subject of much debate as to how else we could sustain our energy needs - by changing from electricity to gas, by using solar, wind or battery powered devices as alternate means of creating energy. Overall, they were different, lifestyle altering times. 

We found ourselves enjoying the candle lit dinners, the gas or paraffin lighting providing a unique urban camping ambiance. The children, of course, thought it was cool! But apart from the adventure and a slightly changed lifestyle and cooking methods, I realized that had we not had the experience of a more extreme lifestyle, we probably would never have thought about alternatives, taking our municipal electricity supply for granted. I realize that adversity forces us to look for solutions. Or it should do so. 

Adversity is not nice. I am acutely aware that for the vast majority of the planet's population, such talk is in itself a luxury. Apart from the idea of the world's rich sowing generously into the lives and circumstances of the poor, I don't propose that I have all the answers for those facing physical adversity daily.  But let us hear something of God's heart behind adversity...


In James is says: "Consider it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds - knowing that the trying of your faith works patience".  When we go through testing times, something else is happening to us, apart from the hardship we feel.  God is working patience or perseverance into us - He's molding our character.  We have to let patience have it's work, so that we may be "perfect and entire, lacking nothing"!  It's like a runner - they have to let perseverance develop within them, for as they prepare to race, they aim at being perfect, lacking nothing that would hold them back from doing their best.


As artists, we want excellent results - or so we should (I always maintain that the level of skill and anointing enables a greater impact of the message).  Yet to obtain this level, we must expect our faith to be tested, our patience to be pushed to the limit.  "Adversity if the mother of invention".  If you are struggling in any way, know that something greater is at work, something not actually bad, but something necessary because it is forging a more excellent result.  If you want to represent God's Glory to a dying world, it doesn't come cheap.  However, it is unique, incomparable.  


If you are in any way facing adversity - maybe battling to break through in your creativity - know that as you push through and find a solution, your faith levels will soar, as well as your joy! DO NOT GIVE UP!  Don't own the hardship.  Step back, sleep on it, reassess the situation from another vantage point, and be open to God giving you the solution.  Be bold and act on this.  Follow through with what you have - a new design, a new strategy, a new composition.  Count it all as pure joy!