His Arms of Love

BY BARBI LARKINS

Barbi is a worship artist who paints during the services of her church. This is her story of a painting she was led to paint before the Christchurch Mosque shootings of 15th March 2019.

There have a been a few times when I have received a very clear picture in my head, a vision of something that I knew God wanted me to paint.

This was one of those times. I’ve learned to pay attention to those images because they always seem to be the ones that have the most impact on people who see the finished paintings.

I stand in awe of God’s timing. When I first went into the church to start painting this picture, I found there had been a mix-up in communication, and I wasn’t due to paint until the following week.

The week’s delay in starting this painting meant that it was completed just last Sunday, days before my city of Christchurch was left reeling from a horrific crime of hate.

If there was ever a time we needed to feel the arms of our Saviour around us, it is now.

To be honest, I didn’t want to paint this. I thought it would look odd.

I thought I wouldn’t have enough time in front of the church to make it work.

When I first began to paint it, I discovered that I was missing a lot of the supplies that I normally use when I paint.

I chuckled to myself, and said “God, if you want me to paint this, it’s all on you.”

I think that’s just the way he wanted it.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

FWTG NOTES: Barbi posted on her FB account the photo of her painting, “Arms of Love” and testimony on 17th March 2019. She owns all images used in this blog post. She has permitted us to repost on the FromWorryToGlory site.