“Even as in His love, He chose us [actually picked us out for Himself as His own] in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy [consecrated and set apart for Him] and blameless in His sight, even above reproach, before Him in love.” – Ephesians 1:4

This water drawing came from one of my personal photos of the Mediterranean Sea in Alexandria, Egypt. A group of my friends and I soaked up a day of rest as we had been traveling and ministering to the families that lost husbands, fathers, and sons due to the mass beheadings executed by ISIS. My friend raised $40,000 to give to their families and as soon as I learned that he was taking a small team, I instantly knew I had to go. The photo remained on my phone and I was constantly inspired by the various blue colors and the different clashes of the waves when I scrolled by it. One day, I heard the Lord say to me, “I want you to draw this water.” At the time, I wasn’t sure if I could draw it. After several months of debating, I opened my Bible to the book of Ephesians and I was deeply moved by the rich revelation. This book can be overwhelming in a good way at times because it’s so deep and heavy, and that is exactly how I felt towards the water piece. I knew that there was a message of truth to be shared through this new creation of art.

Throughout the piece, He kept saying to me, “I want you to know how much I care for you. I want you to know how much I love you. I want you to know how endless my good thoughts towards you are; as endless as this ocean.” When I heard these words, I knew that this message of truth was meant not only for me, but for you too.

He loved you before the earth was formed; before the oceans of deep were set in place; before the mountains were fashioned; before He spoke the words “let there be light.” To satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved you, He picked you out before all of time to be in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5-AMP). He has always been your Father before you knew what life was. He has always loved you before you were able to comprehend what love is. He gave lavishly when you were unable to respond or give back. His carefulness over you did not begin the moment you decided to follow Him; it began long before your frame was being formed in secret [intricately and curiously wrought as if embroidered with various colors] in the depths of the earth (Psalm 139 AMP).

“For He foreordained us [destined us, planned in love for us] to be adopted [revealed] as His own children through Jesus Christ, in accordance, with the purpose of His will [because it pleased Him and was His kind intent] (Ephesians 1:5).” Out of His richness in loving kindness, He purposed you to be a son and a daughter. It is one of the greatest honors to be a child of the living God. He destined you to live in perfect love, joy, peace, and righteousness for all of eternity; good things now always get to last because there is no end to your story.

Happiness will never end; loving others and being loved will never die out. Yet, this isn’t even considered the best part; I would have been satisfied by just being in His presence. However, He takes it a step further, and gives us exceedingly more we could ever hope for. As you look at this water – I pray that you feel known, loved, cared for, and hopeful for what is to come. Continue to live in the light of His glorious love.

With Much Love,

Shaina

Seven Seas