Inspire

Defining Inspiration

So, from where does our inspiration come? For thousands of years, man has been inspired. This inspiration has led to the greatest achievements in the arts, music and business. It is been passed along like an heirloom.  Let’s look at the meaning of the word first; perhaps there are some clues there…

INSPIRATION:

• The process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
• A sudden brilliant, creative or timely idea.
• The divine influence believed to have led to the writing of the Bible.

These are just a few definitions, but clearly the word ‘inspiration’ itself implies brilliance, something beyond the flesh. It can be like a ‘eureka’ or ‘AHA’ moment. Quite simply, inspiration is an impulsive, creative moment in time, something original and true.

God is with us

So how on earth can man create something out of nothing? Where is the tapestry of ideas located? In the brain? Can we see it? If not, then something else greater than ourselves must be stimulating, motivating, encouraging, forming and constructing these unique ideas. The Word tells us to not only contemplate on things which are good but to put that which we have learned or received put into practice. This will bring us closer to God:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8)

Be God’s Spiritual Designer

I believe man is driven, motivated and encouraged by something much greater than himself. Inspiration is something that you cannot see until a creative person moulds and shapes words, clay, wood, notes, paint or some other medium and manages to transform the inspired idea into a tangible piece. Therefore, it is safe to say that our Creator, God, was inspired when He created the heavens and earth and all living things, including man. He was His own inspiration: just read Job chapters 38-41. Therefore, if God is our inspiration, our pieces can no longer be works.

In that creative moment we can glorify God. No matter how small our contribution, it will add value to all our lives. It is original. It has never been created before. It is new and branded with God’s fingerprints throughout the tapestry of our vision, Therefore, we in turn, can inspire others to become spiritual designers.

Find your Inspiration; your creative easel

As we are made in God’s image, we are programmed to create and to be creative. Without inspiration, we cannot appreciate or treasure fully the beauty that God implanted within us from before the beginning of time. Erwin Raphael McManus sums it up in his book, “The Artisan Soul: Crafting Your Life Into a Work of Art.’

“Creativity should be as common as breathing. We breathe therefore we create.”

It is during these moments of inspiration you will find your creative easel. Here you mix and match, design and experiment. Perfection is not required, but your interpretation of what you discover is. This will lead to spiritual growth and what you create will ultimately reflect the uniqueness of what God ordained. Remember we are all artists.

Get ready! You are about to be a blessing!

“The angel said to me, ‘These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show His servants the things that must soon take place.’”  (Rev 22:6)