Waiting on Grace
Date: December 7th, 2025
Canvas: 24” x 30”
Without knowing the theme of the sermon, I wait and pray for an image. And wait. And wait. And nothing. And it turns out the theme of the sermon is, yes, you guessed it…waiting. Today, Doug’s focus is on the pressure waiting puts on us, and that God suffers with us in the waiting. In the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth, they suffer childlessness into their 80’s when Zachariah is told by the archangel Gabriel that Elizabeth will give birth to a son and to name him John—which means ‘Grace’—and that he will prepare the way of the Messiah.
I can relate to Elizabeth and Zachariah’s doubt and resignation. And, at the same time, I’m inspired by their choice to trust God even more in the waiting. So, today I choose to release control of this painting. I focus on the times God has come through for me (and humanity)...my nervous system relaxes…new wiring is forming...‘Grace wiring.' Then, after 90 minutes, I get the image! It surges through my hand as I paint the figure of Elizabeth holding her pregnant womb in complete awe, and Zachariah, after 9 months of muteness, shouting ‘...he is to be called John!’
For all of us, there is anguish in the waiting. But, by coming to Earth, going to the cross, and rising again, Jesus has proven he suffers with us. And, in exchange for our anguish he gives his very own Life.
…to give unto them beauty for ashes… —Isaiah 61:3