“And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him … And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” (Genesis 2:18–22 KJV)

Although the allegory may be stretched a little I think there’s a lot I can pull from these verses regarding working from rest and the creative Christian life. Stick with me and I think you’ll find some nourishment for your soul.

1. Our Stewardship is Not Solitary

“It is not good that the man should be alone …”

Life and light are meant to be shared. Your walk in Christ is connected to others, giving and receiving, so everyone benefits from the blessing that you are called to become. There’s strength in creative unity, not conformity. We are different, and that’s what makes us strong. Each has their own voice to bring to the choir, and the symphony we sing is only complete when we learn to work together. This brings me to my next point…

2. God will connect you with your tribe

“I will make him an help meet for him…”

Ok, it’s a leap from a wife to a band of warriors, but the principle remains. Unity in diversity works in theory, but in everyday practice, there will be those you resonate and connect with on a deeper level than others. That’s absolutely fine and to be expected. Don’t be fearful to be yourself and don’t try to please everyone, because you are guaranteed to fail. Finding your voice makes you magnetic, but be aware that the same magnet attracts and repels at the same time. God has “your people” out there ready to connect, a tribe of like-minded and like-hearted believers who shoulder a similar call and will be a help “meet” for the season you are in.

3. Your best work will come from faithful rest

“The LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept…”

Sometimes God does His greatest work when we get out of the way! Producing your best work comes from a place of faithful rest in the provision of God, and trusting yourself entirely to His wisdom. Hebrews speaks of “enter(ing) into his rest, [and] cease(ing) from [our] own works” (Hebrews 4:10). What a powerful picture of the life of trust and ultimate creation we see here in the slumbering Adam.

4. The crowning creations of your life will come from those things that are close to your heart

“… God took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman.”

The raw material for God’s best creation was taken from what was closest to Adam’s heart. From it He made something remarkably beautiful later named Eve, meaning “life giver”. What are the things that you carry close to your heart? What gets you out of bed in the morning? What stirs your passion, makes you angry, causes your inner man or woman to rise and take a stand? What are the drivers that make you the person that you are, distinct, different from others, yet connected to a bigger purpose that others also connect with? These are indicators of the areas you might tap your life-giving flow.

5. It’s not a chase or a race!

“… and[God] brought her unto the man.”

God brought His best to the man. Adam did not have to chase Eve down, or endlessly seek, earn, or deserve God’s ultimate gift.

Consider the following scripture slowly and carefully:

“For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].” (Ephesians 2:10 AMP)

God is bringing you into His prearranged plan, and bringing to you all you need to walk successfully in it. The life of faith may be one of pursuit, but the pursuit is of God Himself, seeking deeper and knowing His ways and His will better. Chasing the world and your tail will only lead to frustration. Seeking first God’s Kingdom and His righteous way of being and doing will bring you face to face with your destiny!

The Christian creative life is one of growing trust and deeper connection with Heaven’s storehouse of treasures. Let the world do the chasing, you concentrate on the trusting. God is bringing to you exactly what you need.

“… for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray, therefore!” (Matthew 6:8–9)

In the place of prayer, your life and message will be perfected to hit the mark!