ArcaMax

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I have a degree in art, but I haven’t been able to find a job that uses my talent and skills. I have a friend whose father is a stone artist and has offered me the opportunity to become an apprentice. He can’t pay me a lot of money, but to study under such an accomplished man is hard to pass up. I’m in turmoil about what to do. How can I know God’s will in this decision? – C.A.

A: The story is told of a sculptor artist who was chipping away at a chunk of stone. A man asked him, “What are you doing?” The artist replied, “I’m sculpting an elephant.” The man asked, “How do you know what to chip away?” The artist smiled and said, “I chip away anything that doesn’t look like an elephant.”

This may bring a smile and a sense of satisfaction, but it also reminds us of what God does in our lives. We were made in His image, but sin distorted everything about us – our bodies, our hearts, and our minds. When we submit to Him and place our lives in His care, He will chip away at whatever keeps us apart from Him so that we can wholly be part of Him.

When we are committed to the Lord and are living in a way that anticipates the moving of His hand in our lives, sometimes it’s best to start moving in the direction of the open door, as long as there’s nothing that hinders our walk with the Lord. God opens doors and closes doors, and we need to be praying for His direction and His discernment. And all that we do should be for the purpose of bringing glory to Him. The will of God will never take us where the grace of God cannot sustain us.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)

©2026 Billy Graham Literary Trust. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c)2026 BILLY GRAHAM DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.