EVANGEL OF HOPE: original painting

Occasionally I offer “Name This Painting” contests.  The winner wrote…”I was doing my Bible study this morning and three words popped out at me and I thought of your new painting. My Bible study said, 

“May God, the Holy Spirit, sing it into your heart today as the very Evangel of hope.”

Evangel of Hope is a beautiful pink rose emerging from the darkness, triumphant against life’s obstacles with the hope of victory that comes from spiritual inner strength.

The dark background sets off the pale pink delicacy of the rose.  Out of life’s hardships, character is formed and shaped. Darkness usually carries negative connotations, but it can offer hope as well. Darkness can represent that secret hidden place in the presence of our heavenly Father. 

Isaiah 45:3* And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.

Psalm 112:4  Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

2 Corinthians 4:6  For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. ...16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Psalm 119:114  Thou art my hiding place and my shield; I hope in thy word.”