Closing the Gap Between Calling & Confidence as a Christian Artist

ISSUE #044

Have you ever felt that deep, holy pull to create something meaningful—only to sit down and feel completely stuck? You know you’re called. You love God. You believe He’s the Creator.

And yet somehow, when it’s time to actually make the work, fear and perfectionism creep in and shut everything down. If that’s been your experience lately, I want you to hear this clearly: you’re not lazy, broken, or behind. You’re standing in a gap—between your calling and the confidence God has for you.

For many artists, that gap isn’t about skill or discipline. It’s about identity. We know the right things theologically, but our lived experience in the studio doesn’t always line up with what we say we believe. Instead of peace, we feel pressure. Instead of joy, we feel like we’re being evaluated.

This week, I want to help you close that gap—not by striving harder, but by coming back into alignment with who you really are in Christ.

Friend, you were created to thrive—not to live paralyzed by fear or waiting for someday. Even the simple alignment tool you learned today can begin shifting things right now.

And if you sense God inviting you into a deeper reset, that’s exactly why the Created to Thrive Foundations Course exists—to help you install a Kingdom operating system rooted in truth, freedom, and identity.

Wherever you are in the journey, I’m cheering you on. God is with you in the process—and He’s enjoying it more than you realize.

In His love and creativity,
Matt Tommey

PS – Don’t miss all the great artist mentoring resources we have available for you. Click here to find out more.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE WEEKLY

Click the button to subscribe for free to The Weekly and get an email reminder every Wednesday so you never miss an issue.

From Freedom to Fear

Jean Kimble’s journey as an artist is a beautiful testament to healing, perseverance, and creating from freedom rather than fear. From discovering the vibrant voice of pastel painting to experiencing extraordinary encounters with God in her studio, Jean’s story reminds us that our creativity is deeply personal—and profoundly purposeful. This week’s Featured Artist shares how faith, legacy, and lifelong curiosity continue to shape her art and life. READ MORE

CONNECT

From Orphan to Beloved

Scripture:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2 (NIV)

Many artists unknowingly create from what Scripture would call an orphan mindset—the belief that we must perform well to be valuable. That mindset puts unbearable pressure on your creativity because your identity feels tied to every brushstroke. But in Christ, you are already a beloved son or daughter. Your value is secure before you ever make a mark.

Prayer:
Father, thank You that I am fully loved and fully accepted in You. I choose to stop striving for approval and start creating from rest. Renew my mind with Your truth and remind me who I am as Your child. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Action Step:
Before your next studio session, say out loud: “I am God’s beloved child, and my creativity flows from His love—not for it.”

CLARIFY

Realigning the Internal Script

When fear or perfectionism shows up, it’s usually because an old internal script has taken over. That script says your worth is on the line. Clarifying your focus this week means identifying which voice you’ve been listening to—and choosing to agree with Heaven instead.

Reflection Prompt:
Ask yourself: Am I creating today to prove something… or to participate with God?

Action Step:
Write down one lie that tends to surface when you create (for example: “If this fails, I’m a failure”). Then replace it with truth (“My value is secure in Christ, regardless of outcomes”).

CREATE

The Alignment Check

Here’s a simple, powerful tool you can use anytime creative resistance shows up—I call it an Alignment Check.

When you feel that tightness, pressure, or anxiety rising, stop. Step back. Breathe. Then ask the Lord one simple question:
“God, what do You have to say about me and this process right now?”

You may sense Him saying, “I enjoy being with you,” or “I love how you’re exploring,” or “You’re free here.” Whatever He gives you, speak it out loud as a declaration.

Action Step:
Practice one Alignment Check this week and declare what God says—out loud—before continuing your work.

CULTIVATE

Creating Without Needing Validation

When you create from identity instead of insecurity, everything shifts. You take healthier risks. You enjoy the process again. You stop begging for validation and start offering your work as a gift. That posture doesn’t just change your art—it changes how people experience it.

Biblical Encouragement:
“Freely you have received; freely give.” — Matthew 10:8

Action Step:
Share one piece of your work this week—not to impress, but to express. Let it be an offering, not a performance.

The Core4 Focus Planner™

A 90-Day Undated Planner to Help You Stay Focused, Grow Spiritually, and Make Measurable Progress in Your Art

“This planner is my “tool of intentionality” and sits next to my Bible and journal. It’s also the perfect size to hang on to as a way to go back and celebrate the work that I’ve done. Thanks so much!” – Debby

Get Your Core4 Focus Planner Now

WATCH & LISTEN

Episode: Closing the Gap Between Calling and Confidence

LISTEN ON APPLEPODCAST

LISTEN ON SPOTIFY

In this week’s podcast, I unpack why so many Christian artists feel stuck between what they believe and how they create—and how renewing your mind is the key to breaking free from fear, perfectionism, and pressure.

Key Takeaway:
You don’t become confident by proving yourself. Confidence grows when you create from your identity as a beloved child of God.

TECH TIP FOR THRIVING

Using Your Voice to Renew Your Mind

Tool: Voice Memos (or any simple audio recording app)

Recording yourself speaking truth is a powerful way to interrupt old thought patterns. After an Alignment Check, record a short voice memo declaring what God says about you and your art. Listening back reinforces truth and helps retrain your internal dialogue.

Try This:
Create a 30–60 second “truth declaration” you can listen to before studio time.

WORSHIP

This week, as you worship with this song, truly invite Jesus to be the center of all you’re doing in your life as an artist in God’s Kingdom.

FEATURED ARTIST: Jean Kimble

For Jean Kimble, art has never been just about technique—it has been a lifelong journey of healing, freedom, and learning to see herself through God’s eyes.

Raised in a deeply negative environment, Jean grew up believing many things were impossible for her.

But over time, God began gently rewriting that internal script. Through her creative journey—and reinforced by her time in the Created to Thrive Artist Mentoring Program—Jean discovered that she truly could do what she had once been told she never could. More importantly, she began to understand that she is important to God, intentionally created, and uniquely gifted to see the world through her own eyes.

Jean’s work has always been rooted in nature—wildlife, horses, landscapes, flowers—reflecting both her surroundings and her reverence for God’s creation. Though she began painting in oils, then acrylics, it was pastel that ultimately captured her heart. The immediacy, vibrancy, and freedom of soft pastels—especially on sanded paper—allowed her work to take on a richly painterly quality that many viewers don’t even recognize as pastel. For Jean, the medium became a perfect match for the saturated beauty she sees in the natural world.

Today, Jean paints from a place of freedom rather than pressure. Having spent decades in the wildlife show circuit, she’s now enjoying the joy of exploration—adding figural work, portraits, still life, and florals to her practice. She also finds deep fulfillment in mentoring younger artists, offering gentle guidance that empowers them to discover solutions for themselves rather than being told what to do.

One of the most profound seasons of Jean’s life came while writing her book, The Rich, The Poor, and The Naked: Finding Peace out of Turmoil from the Lives of Twelve Biblical Women. During those four years, Jean experienced extraordinary encounters with God—visions for her paintings, audible direction, and a tangible sense of His presence in her studio. That season reshaped her understanding of prayer, faith, and what it means to truly work with God.

Jean also shared a powerful “God surprise” involving a painting of the headwaters of the Rappahannock River—a lifelong quest fulfilled decades later, resulting in a deeply emotional sale that brought healing to a grieving widow and provision to an artist in transition. It was a reminder that God weaves our stories together in ways far beyond what we could plan.

Now, as Jean looks toward legacy rather than sales, she continues to create, mentor, and stay connected—adapting her art practice to her season of life while remaining faithful to the call she knows will never leave her. As she says with a smile, “Old artists never die; they just paint away.”

You can explore Jean’s work and connect with her here:
🌿 Website: https://jeancarterkimbleart.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jean_kimble_art

Apply to Be a Featured Artist

Would you like to be considered for one of our artist features? We love sharing the work from our friends around the world who create unique, beautiful and inspired art, regardless of creative medium. And just a reminder, your work does NOT have to be overtly faith-based to be considered. Interested? Just complete this application: https://forms.gle/vmtyk6wg3hSuUAhi9

Resources for Christian Artists

If you’re ready to grow as an artist in your faith, art and even business, then check out these affordable resources for artists just like you.