The Artist and the Hidden Canvas

Parables for Present – Week 1

There once was an artist who painted in secret.

She had once been celebrated. Her work had hung in galleries, her lens had captured beauty others couldn’t see. She used to feel inspired, lit up with purpose, overflowing with ideas and the courage to create.

But then life happened.

First came the storm—grief, betrayal, disappointment. Then came the drought—sickness, silence, discouragement. The applause faded. Her paintbrush gathered dust. And though the desire to create still flickered, it was buried beneath the weight of survival.

So she tucked herself away in a quiet corner of her home and began painting again.

Not for galleries. Not for clients.
Just for the One who gave her the gift in the first place.

No one knew she was painting.
No one applauded or shared or “liked” what she was doing.
But heaven leaned in.

Because every stroke was a surrender.
Every color was a prayer.
Every layer was worship.

She didn’t realize it, but her hidden canvas was not unseen—it was sacred.
And what she thought was forgotten... God was framing.

My Story Behind the Parable

Confession.... This story isn’t just a parable. It’s part of my own.

As a photographer and artist, I’ve known the highs of creative momentum—and the lows of being misunderstood, unseen, or just plain burnt out. I’ve walked away from the camera more than once, unsure if I would ever return.

But something happens when you create without an audience in mind.
When you paint, shoot, write, or build—not for praise, but for Presence.

In my quiet seasons, I’ve had to learn that creativity doesn’t stop being valuable just because it isn’t visible.

Sometimes, the sacred things are the secret things.

What is God painting in your life right now?

It might look unfinished. It might feel hidden.
But trust this: He is not done. And He never creates without purpose.

Take a few moments to journal this question:

If no one ever saw what I created, would I still create it for God?

Closing Prayer

Lord, thank You for the gift of creativity.
Remind me that I don’t have to be seen to be significant.
Help me create in hidden places, trusting that You see every brushstroke, every idea, every act of quiet obedience.
Even when I feel overlooked, help me believe that You are framing something beautiful—right here, right now.

Amen.