Humility, Abiding, and Trusting God’s Timing

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” — James 4:10

Lately, I’ve been reminded over and over again that my first and most important job is always to abide in Him. With everything happening in the world, it’s so easy to get swept up in worry or to feel like I need to jump in and fix things. My default tendency is to take action right away — to do, to speak, to control.

But again and again, God reminds me: He is in control.
He has the power to do anything and everything He wants, in His perfect timing.

That truth forces me to pause. To stop rushing. To sit with Him. To let Him direct me in whatever action — if any — is actually needed.

And when I remember this, I realize something humbling but deeply freeing: I am nothing before God.

To our ears, that may sound harsh. But if you think about it, it’s profoundly liberating. It takes the weight of control off our shoulders and places it back where it belongs — in His. Instead of striving, we can rest. Instead of forcing, we can trust. That’s where peace is found.

Abiding Through Art

As I’ve been slowly working on my Abide collection, this posture has been woven into the creative process. Painting becomes not just an act of expression, but also an act of surrender — letting God shape not only the canvas but also my heart.

This is why art, for me, is never just about the finished piece. It’s about the quiet lessons God teaches in the middle of it — when the brush feels slow, when progress doesn’t come quickly, when I’m reminded that growth, like faith, is a process of abiding.

Seeds I’m Planting

Beyond the studio, I’ve been planting seeds in other ways too — preparing upcoming classes, sharing my work in the community, and even giving away pieces of my Firmament collection as gifts. All of it is rooted in this desire: that whatever I do would point back to Him.

I may not always see the fruit right away. But that’s the beauty of abiding — it’s not about results on my timeline. It’s about trusting His.

A Word for You

If this season feels heavy for you, or if you’ve been carrying the pressure to hold it all together, I want to remind you of this same truth:

God is in control.
He knows the timing.
He will exalt in due time those who humble themselves before Him.

You don’t need to have the perfect plan or the quick fix. You just need to abide.

And in that abiding, you’ll find the peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances.

Thank you for walking with me on this journey. If you’re ever in need of encouragement or prayer, know that you’re not alone. This space — both my art and these words — is meant to remind you of His presence, His goodness, and His faithfulness.

Warmly in Him,
Martina