You Were Created to Create: How Your SHAPE Unlocks a Life of Purposeful Creativity
Have you ever felt like you were meant for more—but couldn’t quite put your finger on what “more” looked like?
Maybe you’ve dabbled in painting, picked up a journal, or lost yourself in a creative moment—but still wondered, Is this really “spiritual”? Is this really enough?
Let me tell you: Yes.
And yes.
You were created on purpose, for a purpose.
And one of the most beautiful ways that purpose is expressed is through creativity.
Rick Warren’s S.H.A.P.E. principle has helped thousands uncover their God-given design. And when we apply it to creativity—it becomes a powerful lens to understand who we are and what we’re here to create.
Let’s walk through each part—with a story for each one that might just feel a little like yours.
S – Spiritual Gifts: Your Creativity Has Kingdom Purpose
When Jess lost her mum, she started doodling in her prayer journal. Simple flowers. A few verses. Scribbles around Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.”
She didn’t think it was much—just a coping mechanism. But when she shared one of her pages online, someone messaged:
“I cried when I saw this. It’s like God was speaking to me.”
Jess realised then—her creativity was more than self-soothing. It was a gift. A way to minister. To speak when words fell short.
1 Peter 4:10 says:
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others.”
What if your creative gift isn’t just for you—but for someone else’s healing too?
H – Heart: What You Care About Is a Clue
Emma was a mum of three who loved nature. Every time she went for a walk, she'd take photos of mossy branches and wildflowers, and later sketch them in her journal. But she always felt guilty—like she should be “doing more for God.”
Then she read this:
Proverbs 4:23 – “Guard your heart… for it determines the course of your life.”
And it clicked.
Her love for creation was a calling. Her heart was leading her to reflect God’s beauty and stillness in the chaos of everyday life.
Now, Emma hosts “Sketch & Scripture” walks, where women reconnect with God through nature and art.
What do you love? What do you long for or ache over? That passion could be pointing to your purpose.
A – Abilities: Your Skills Are Not Random
Simon isn’t what you’d call artsy. But give him Canva or a PowerPoint and he’s in his zone. Clean lines, stunning layouts, visual impact—he thrives on bringing clarity through design.
For years, he felt like creativity was only for painters or poets. Until someone said, “You communicate beauty in a language people understand. That’s creativity.”
Exodus 35:35 reminds us:
“He has filled them with skill… all of them skilled workers and designers.”
You don’t need a Fine Arts degree to be creative.
Are you good at organisation? Tech? Storytelling? These “everyday” abilities are tools in the hands of the Creator.
P – Personality: You Were Designed With Intention
Lina is an introvert. A deep feeler. She doesn’t like busy crowds, but give her a quiet space, a candle, and her watercolours—and she’ll pour her soul onto a page.
She used to think she needed to be more extroverted to be seen, to make an impact. But God reminded her through Psalm 139:14:
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”
Now, Lina leads a small online group called Still Waters—a safe space for quiet women to create and reflect without pressure.
Your personality shapes your process. Don’t fight it—embrace it. God designed you that way for a reason.
E – Experiences: Nothing Is Wasted
After recovering from burnout, Grace didn’t have the words to explain what she’d been through. So she started art journaling—messy layers of ink, fabric scraps, and verses. One day she wrote across a painted page:
"God meets me in the mess."
That post led to dozens of DMs. People saying, “That’s exactly how I feel.”
Grace never imagined her pain could become a bridge. But it did.
Romans 8:28 says:
“In all things God works for the good of those who love Him…”
Your experiences—especially the painful ones—can become the very thing God uses to bring light to others. Your scars tell stories. And your creativity can help someone else feel less alone.
Final Thoughts: You Are God’s Masterpiece—And You Are a Maker Too
You’re not too late.
You’re not too messy.
And you’re not too “unqualified” to be used.
Ephesians 2:10 says:
“We are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.”
And sometimes, those good works look like paint, ink, fabric, words, or song.
Sometimes, it’s a journal page full of hope.
Or a scribble that brings someone to tears.
You were created to create—in your own unique, faith-filled way.
Join Me for a Free Creative Calm Workshop
If this message stirred something in you, I’d love to invite you to a gentle, faith-friendly workshop where we explore this together through art journaling.
When: Saturday, 24th May at 1pm UK time
Where: Live on YouTube
Register for free: https://creativesoulspace.com/signupmay25
During this workshop, you’ll:
Create your first art journal page (no experience needed!)
Discover how creativity can calm anxiety and reconnect you with God
Leave with a finished page, a sense of peace, and permission to keep going
This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about starting.
Let’s rediscover the masterpiece within you—one page at a time.
P.S. If you’d love a little extra support for dreaming big and stepping boldly into your creative calling, grab my free Joyful Abundance Planner here:
👉 https://christianartjournaling.com/freebie-joyful
Let's stay connected — and I'll see you inside the challenge and the next episode of Creativity Released! 🎨💛
