In the serene and tranquil setting of a vast, open field, a man lies down on the lush green grass, gazing up in awe at the heavens. The man is surrounded by healthy cattle who are also at rest, basking in the tranquility of the moment. In full bloom, the flowers paint the field in splendor, filling the air with their sweet fragrance. The birds, chirping happily, flit about in the sky, carefree and unencumbered by any worries. This picturesque image of the decoupage paper I used in my latest project, the Chinoiserie Pedestal Table, evokes the timeless message of Matthew 6:25-33, a scripture that has been incredibly valuable to me lately as I work towards establishing my small business.
“Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:25-33
I’m sharing this with you in the hope that it can provide you with some relief during hectic times, just as it has for me.
Starting my business, Revibed by Raimy, has been an exciting yet daunting experience. As I embarked on my journey, I soon realized that it would require more than hard work and dedication. Leaving behind a secure weekly paycheck, I quickly had to learn how to rely on God for provision and protection as I attempted to turn my dreams into a reality.
In the midst of my frenetic grind and panic, I turn to God, knowing that this endeavor is destined to fail by my own strength, but with Him, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26).
When my strength starts to wane, I rely on God and meditate on His promises and words. One of the verses that I particularly remember when I’m on the verge of exhaustion and burnout is God’s command, “Cease striving and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).
I know that the goal I’m striving for is challenging, and I know that I would give up halfway if I had to do it alone. However, when I turn to God, I find the encouragement and equilibrium to overcome the challenges.
Philippians 4:6 also gives me peace, as it encourages us not to be anxious about anything but to present our needs, whatever they may be, to God with thanksgiving.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6
Learning to trust God for provision and protection has been a transformative experience. It is teaching me to surrender all of my fears and anxiety while strengthening my faith and trust that He will guide me on the path that He has set out for me.
I encourage anyone struggling, whether pursuing a dream or just dealing with the grind of modern life, to seek God’s guidance and lean on Him. When you start to worry and strive for control, remember that you don’t have to muscle your way through life and that God is always with you. God tells us in Zechariah 4:6 that it is “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.”
So take a deep breath and remember that you are never alone. God is always with you and He desires to guide and direct your steps. Trust in Him, have faith in His plan for your life, and know that He will provide for you in ways that may surpass your imagination.
