Walking Through Fire
“Walking Through Fire” is an example of a painting that took on a life of its own. I happen to be an avid fan of geology and intended to do an abstract study on caves and stalactites. As I built up the layers using tissue paper and acrylic paints, it quickly transformed into something entirely different. I continued, layer after layer, building up the textures and all of a sudden, it reminded me of fire. My intention shifted. Just then, a fellow artist in my collective happened to walk by and comment, “I see people!” Deep breath. Hmmm…fire and people. The pairing of these 2 subjects immediately triggered my memory of an account in the book of Daniel.
In Daniel Chapter 3, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had just erected a gold statue and required everyone to bow down and worship it. There were 3 Hebrew exiles that had been given the Babylonian names Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They refused to worship this statue because they refused to deny the God of Israel. As a result, they were thrown into a fiery furnace. When the King looked in, he saw that not only were there 3 men still walking around, but it also appeared that there was a 4th man that looked like the Son of God. The King in amazement, ordered them to come out. When they came out, they were not harmed, and they didn’t even smell like smoke.
“Walking Through Fire”, Mixed Media and Collage on Canvas, 35”x24”, 2021, Private Collection Hillsborough, NC
3 Types of Deliverances.
This year, I felt led to study the book of Daniel. One of my daughters gifted me a workbook written by Beth Moore, and I purchased the accompanying 12 videos. In regard to this passage, Beth Moore shared some poignant insights. In our lives, we will encounter some of our own fires. There were 3 scenarios that Beth described that stuck with me.
God delivers us from the fire. There might be a fatal diagnosis and we are miraculously healed, or dire circumstances are changed.
God delivers us through the fire. We might encounter serious trials and tribulations, but He is with us every step of the way, strengthening us.
God delivers us by the fire to Himself. We don’t survive the fire here on earth, but we are delivered into His arms.
This painting “Walking Through Fire” is a visual reminder for me that I can take courage even in the fiery trials.