This is the final work in my Parable of the Talents series - a piece created almost in tears, from a place where hope seemed lost, yet it stirred in me the courage to try once more.
After creating it, I was reminded of Peter’s story in Luke 5:4-6 after toiling all night and catching nothing, he chose to obey Jesus’ instruction to cast his net again. That act of faith brought him a life-changing experience
I had my own version of that moment. I was preparing for my exhibition but had no resources to fund it. I kept planning and reached out to my long-time sponsors, but every response came back negative. I tried to appear strong, but reality sank in and my spirit grew heavy. That low point led me back to my source (God) through prayer, worship, and praise.
While studying my Bible, I came across a passage I had highlighted on September 2, 2024 - just days after my second solo exhibition: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV
That verse spoke directly to me that day, so I highlighted it and noted the exact date beside it, as I felt led. The very next morning after coming across the highlighted bible verse, my mum sent me Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
This confirmation filled me with peace and boldness. It was what I needed to take the leap of booking a venue for my exhibition, even though I had less than $5 in my account at the time.
With renewed faith, just like Peter casting his net again, I reached out to my sponsors, this time attaching my estimated budget and holding firmly to God’s promise from Isaiah 41:10. The response came back positive, and the support I received exceeded my projected budget.
The truth is, this is a world of men, and we often need others to achieve great things. Yet, it takes divine alignment which comes through obedience, sensitivity, preparation, and openness to opportunities.
In addition, somewhere, someone needs the very gift we carry but meeting and gaining access to them is not purely about our effort or skill. It’s a matter of divine orchestration. Sometimes the connection happens easily; other times, it comes only after we’ve exhausted all we know - when we’ve hit rock bottom and are out of strength. That’s when "The Divine" shows up, with us realizing that He is our strength in weakness. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…” 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)
