Q2. Why Is It So Hard?

This is the second letter is a three part series that asks these questions:

Q 1. Why are we here? 

Q 2. Why is it so hard to be here (and make art)?

Q 3. And what comes after? 

Today we are on Question #2.

Why is it so hard to just get the work done?

After all, we love creating! In my ideal world, I’d have a huge studio and the freedom to make art 24/7.

But why do I cling to this idea of a "perfect world"? The world isn’t perfect and maybe I’m already looking for an excuse to avoid doing the work I love.

Above Image: I'm very grateful to have a dedicated studio though I'm still working on the 24/7 part of the perfect world. 

Do any of these barriers resonate with you?

I’m Distracted.
I’m Tired.
I’m Overwhelmed by all the Possibilities.
I Get in My Own Way (Self Sabotage).
I’m Afraid of Being Less than Perfect. 

And maybe you have others.

Make your excuse list as long as you want, but they all fall into two categories: You and Satan.

Yup, we’re going to talk about the devil.

YOU
"You" refers to your physical self—your body, mind, and flesh, which often seeks comfort and distraction, pulling you toward things your spirit doesn’t want. You’re tired, overwhelmed, and flooded with self doubt.

But why does my flesh face so much temptation? Because…

YOUR MORTAL ENEMY
Many don’t like talking about him, thinking it gives him some sort of glory. But the Bible talks about him a lot. Why? He’s been around a lot longer than us and has had plenty of practice deceiving people like you and me. He’s also a powerful and dangerous angelic being with a large host of followers at his command—to some degree.

QUICK REMINDER
He has an army of angels - we have a greater army of angels!

Satan has experience but we have the Holy Spirit, whose power far surpasses Satan’s. 

In fact, compared to God, the devil has no real power at all. When Jesus took back the keys to Hades, He stripped Satan of his authority. But here’s the big kicker: we can give the devil power. That’s why the Bible warns us that Satan prowls like a lion, seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8), and that demons can disguise themselves as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). We wouldn’t be given warnings like this if we didn’t need reminding that the power of Hades can still find inroads into our lives if we let it.

IT HAPPENED TO THE BEST OF US
Satan managed to deceive Eve… in the garden, think of that. Eve was with God, clothed by His glory, with no modern day distractions like exhaustion, kids, jobs and so on. How easy must it be for us to be deceived today, in a fallen world, if it was possible to deceive Eve?

The problem with deception is that you often don’t know it’s happening. You believe lies to be true. 

Let’s take this back to art. Why is it so hard to make art? 

1. YOU: Our bodies are weak, constantly seeking comfort. 

2. SATAN: We are plagued with possible deception at every turn from our number one enemy.

There are countless books about what this means for us believers but there aren’t many places where it discusses this danger in relation to the artist. 

We’ve been deceived into thinking our number one enemy is  unimportant, so most days we don't bother to think about or resist him. Here’s the thing…he hates us and he especially hates artists. 

BATTLE AND SOLUTION
The struggle we face comes from two sources: our own flesh and Satan’s attempts to deceive us. Our bodies and minds often seek comfort and distraction, but the real danger lies in the subtle lies that undermine our worth and purpose as artists.

But here’s the good news: You are not powerless. Through Christ, you have the authority to resist these temptations. The Bible assures us that if we resist the devil, he will flee (James 4:7), and by renewing our minds (Romans 12:2), we can overcome the weaknesses. Your art can reflect the truth and beauty of God’s Image in you.

SOME POINTS TO PONDER
Did you know Satan was an artist in heaven—a musician—and he seeks to use artists to spread his lies.  (Ezekial 28 and Isaiah 14)  He’s also described as being very beautiful. 

But he wasn’t made in the image of God. 

We, on the other hand, are made in the Image of the Greatest Artist. With access to the Holy Spirit, our art can wield more power and influence then the devil ever had. 

Satan knows this truth and acts as a counterfeiter. He manipulates artists and their work to spread his messages, which we can clearly see in movies, music, writings, and across the internet.

To further his agenda, he has convinced the world that art is meaningless, useless, and a waste of time. He has slapped us with the title of "Starving Artist"—a label that is a curse, plain and simple.

Above Image: This is me pushing through resistance and practicing drawing.

WHAT CAN WE DO?
We are untouchable if only we resist him. Resist that title. Resist that curse. 

Resistance is hard. (Read The War of Art) 

Resistance at its very core is pushing against an opposite force. God promises that if we resist the devil he will flee from us. He doesn’t say if we ignore the devil, or laugh at him. He says to resist, be sober-minded, be watchful. (1 Peter 5:8-9, James 4:7) 

Resistance is the key to building muscle and muscle equals strength. Resistance is the key to becoming spiritually strong. 

You discern places of deception in your own life by looking for moments of magnetism vs moments of resistance. Magnetism draws you in without any resistance. Use scriptural truths to discern why you’re feeling one or the other. 

HERE’S HOW IT COULD GO:
Wake in the morning: Magnetism to the kitchen. Resistance to the gym. 

Walk into kitchen: Magnetism to the cereal. Resistance to the eggs.
Get your coffee: Magnetism to your phone. Resistance to your bible. 

Go to studio: Magnetism to play. Resistance to practice. 

As you begin resisting the easy way you build strength and it becomes easier  to choose protein instead of sugar for breakfast. You’ll crave your bible instead of your phone (it’s true!). You’ll gain wisdom and know that protein nourishes your body better than sugar and the bible better than social media. 

But deception doesn’t give up. As you get strong the enemy becomes more desperate. He loses a battle but sends a new enemy  to meet you at the next battle. 

Above Image: Me finally painting. Breakthough only happens in the doing. 

NEXT LEVEL
As you overcome resistance in the studio your art gets better. But you stay in the studio. A big wall of resistance still exists between your work and the world. 

We will always face resistance, time to stop crying about that. It’s time to discern where the resistance is for you and your art and dig your heels in, lean into and PUSH! James 1 reminds us to persevere through trials: 

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1: 12 )

While resistance is inevitable, it’s also essential for your growth as an artist and believer. By recognizing whether the resistance stems from distractions, doubts, or Satan’s deceptions, you can push through, gain strength, and create art that carries the Kingdom to the world. .

HOMEWORK
Before we move to the next question: An Antidote to Resistance (next month) take time to identify moments  of Magnetism vs Resistance in your art life. 

1. Where have you overcome resistance in your life so far? 

2. Make notes and find ways to overcome barriers you face right now. 

3. Open up your Bible and ask God to start showing you where people overcame resistance in their calling and contemplate how you can apply those ways to your path. 

Stay Bold,

PS. Share your insights and questions in the comments. 👇