And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:28-31 (KJV)

There is a sting to pain that cannot always

be painted with a positive golden brush.

For any artist knows that a true masterpiece

can only be created with the dark and light

combinations of highlights and shadows. For

this is what creates enduring and lasting beauty.

And so, this is how God paints Christ-likeness in our

lives with his divine ,Holy, sovereign, beauty creating brush.

And when the dark and shadowy hues are painted in a

Christian’s life, there comes with it the gift of the healing brush

of emunah, called faith that we can boldly and courageously choose .

For when the sting of pain is met with faith in our loving,

Triune God, we can always praise our Redeemer and Creator.

For our sovereign Savior, Lord, ultimate friend, our

all in all, always, always knows what is best for

each and every one of His redeemed and adored,

blood bought Saints. The healing balm and free gift of

Christ given faith, Emunah, gives us all a royal, Heavenly,

throne room demeanor that can turn every earthly sting

into a masterpiece of faith. Emunah! Emunah! Emunah!