Here’s the thing.

Whether you like it or not, giants stand between you and your promised land.

They swagger and mock your dreams and aspirations.

Oafish gremlins with glinting teeth grimacing at your bravado, mocking your belief that God can lead you from dreaming to done.

In the arena of creative output, I’ve found five smooth stones that land perfectly between the eyes of Goliath and his entourage.

One – Faith

Every endeavour, large or small, begins with a seed. Believe in the seed that God has planted in your heart. Don’t doubt yourself or your God. Water the seed in prayer and let your imagination take hold of the idea and how it will look when it grows and stretches out its fruit-laden branches.

Two – Inspiration

The Greek word for "inspiration" is theopneustos, which literally means "God-breathed". It is a combination of the words theos, meaning "God", and pnéō, meaning "breathe out". God breathes out, we breathe in! Invite the Holy Ghost to partner with you and don’t be in a rush. Hear, don’t hustle. The Lord will lead you step by faithful step to finish what you start. Faith and patience inherit the promises and bring them to fullness.

Three – Education

Even Jesus had to grow in wisdom (Luke 2:40), and so do you. Your ideas and dreams will often require an upgrade in knowledge and skills. Be a reader, a life-long learner, ready to reach out and ask for help, and willing to invest time and money in your own development. This also requires an investment of time, so be ready to prioritise the development of your ideas.

Four – Application

It’s not what you know; it's what you do with what you know that makes a difference. Don’t fall into the trap of “ever learning” or thinking you need to know “everything” before you do “anything”. Learn what’s required to take the next step, and take it. Doing is the best way to consolidate what you’ve learned. This is where the rubber meets the road, and is perhaps the most important step of all.

Five – Celebration

When God made the worlds He punctuated His creative wins with celebration. The happy chorus of self-appreciation and commendation, “it is good”, should ring regularly through your creative process. Be ready and always willing to recognise and rejoice in even the smallest triumph. Celebration and appreciation of your own work is, and glorifying God for His wonderful gifts and the growth you are experiencing ensures you don’t run into burnout. Give yourself a high five, reward your efforts with appreciation in ways that speak loudly to your soul that you’re on the right track. Make it fun!

The Short Version

Faith – believe in your ideas

Inspiration – invite God into the process

Education – dedicate yourself to growth

Application – be a doer, not just a hearer

Celebration – appreciate your progress.

Add these together, and you’ll find your field in life decorated with dead giants.