3 Secrets to Finding Your New Creative Outlet

I have a lot of passions. Over the last few years, I’ve intentionally taught myself to create: web design, sewing, custom sneakers, and cooking. I simply love to learn. But for me, a new hobby isn’t just a pastime; it’s a prayer. Every time I approach something new, I ask for the Holy Spirit’s help. I want to see Jesus’ creative nature reflected in the beauty of what I’m making (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16, Hebrews 1:2).

This category, Custom & Crafted, is dedicated to honoring the beauty spoken of in Exodus 35:

“He has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom and skill, with intelligence and understanding, and with knowledge in all [areas of] craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs… He has filled them with skill to do the work of an engraver, of a designer, and of an embroiderer… makers of every work and embroiderers of [excellent] designs.” — Exodus 35:31-35 AMP

How beautiful is that? The Spirit of God gave them the ability to create with their hands and their minds. As believers, we should be the most prolific creators and designers on the planet. Why? Because by His grace, He is giving us the very ideas to fulfill.

My mom has always given me this piece of advice: “It is easy to be excellent in the world today.” Why? Because most people do the bare minimum. They do just enough to get by. But we serve the Creator of the universe. We are called to be different. We are called to do everything as if it is done for the Lord himself.

“Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” — Colossians 3:17 AMP

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to try that “thing” you’ve been thinking about, here it is. Here are three tips, backed by Scripture, that have brought me freedom in my creative journey.

 

1. Pick Something You Actually Enjoy

Girrrrrrl, let us enjoy today! Every morning on the way to school, my mom would quote Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” It is okay to smile. It is okay to delight in your labor.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 reminds us that there is a time for everything—a time to tear apart and a time to sew together. It says that for a man to find enjoyment in his labor is a gift from God. A word of caution: Don’t pick a hobby out of jealousy. If you choose a craft just because you want what someone else has, or you want the praise they receive, it won’t produce fruit.

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing…” — James 3:16 AMP

2. Start Small (and Start Smart)

Let’s be wise, friend. You aren’t going to stick with everything you try. Before you drop thousands of dollars on equipment, see if you actually like the process.

I always do my “homework” on YouTube first. I gather information, plan a budget, and find the best entry point. My grandmother gifted me my first sewing machine—don’t be afraid to ask for help! The Proverbs 31 woman modeled this perfectly:

“She considers a field before she buys or accepts it [expanding her business prudently]… She equips herself with strength… and makes her arms strong… she sees her gain is good and prepares for what is ahead” — Proverbs 31:16-18 AMP

3. Build Without Waiting for Permission

Creativity is a space for you and the Lord. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve gotten lost in sewing a pair of blanket pants and ended up in deep intercession for my community.

Don’t be discouraged if people don’t “get it.” Most people are too caught up in their own insecurities to champion your new venture. Even Jesus’ own family thought He was “out of His mind” (Mark 3:21). He was a carpenter’s son, and His hometown took offense at Him. (Mark 6:3-5)

I am not Jesus, and neither are you—but He is within you. Anything you do for His glory will be questioned by those who only knew the “old” you.

I want to challenge us to be women who support our friends in things outside of just marriage and babies. (We support those too, of course!) But let’s not be women caught up in strife. How dare I reject the gifts God is stirring up in my sister? Wooooo! I’m too fearful of Him for that.

Let’s model an attitude that doesn’t look for the approval of man, but finds its joy at the Mercy Seat. If He wants your craft to bring Him glory, He is in charge of that. Your job is just to create.

What is the one creative hobby you’ve been “putting off” because you were afraid to be a beginner? Tell me in the comments!