When our will meets His spirit - transformation happens. It is when we surrender - truly surrender everything to Him - courage cures us into something stronger than we could ever have ever experienced on our own.
Resin Casting Devotional & Mixed Media Craft
From a recent Christ & Crafting event - watch the video here
Introduction
Courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s the presence of Christ in us. In my latest Christ & Crafting live, I used a resin casting to show what happens when our will (Part A) meets His Spirit (Part B). Just like resin, when the two combine, transformation happens, curing us into something stronger than we could ever be alone.
This post combines a devotional reflection, the resin analogy, and a step-by-step craft tutorial you can follow at home.
⸻
Let's break down three words and see the difference between them and discover how we play a role in strengthening one another as we complete the assignments that The Father has given us.
Assignment: Read 2 Chronicles 15
"But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. When Asa the king heard these words, he took courage. He removed idols and detestable things from Judah and Benjamin, restored the altar of the Lord, and renewed the people's commitment to God." 2 Chronicles 15:7-8
This passage is a call to courage, perseverance and faithfulness. God tells His people not to lose heart because their work in Him is not in vain. He sees and rewards their obedience. Asa the King, responds by taking courage, clearing the idols away, and renewing true worship. He responds in a time where he is having to go against the grain, counter culture. It takes great courage and boldness to be a peculiar people called out of darkness into His marvelous light. But when you stand on the Truth and refuse to compromise, He rewards your faithfulness. Asa not only did the right thing, but encouraged the people to get back into right standing with the Father and to serve Him in spirit and Truth.
- Courage comes from hearing and believing God's Word
- Obedience and renewal flow out of that courage
- When we refuse to give up in faith, God strengthens us and uses us to bring restoration.
Courage, Discouragement, and Encouragement
• Discouragement = heaviness, hopelessness, being stuck, being shattered or dismayed.
Seeing this definition, what is one way that discouragement has showed up in your life recently?
Discouragement is not a casual word! It is literally the opposite of courage and if we continue walking in discouragement - being shattered, stuck and hopeless, we will never reach our potential. We will live believing the lies that the enemy is trying to make us believe.
• Courage = the Spirit-infused strength to face difficulty without fear.
Biblical meaning: to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore.
Dictionary: the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc without fear; bravery
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the willingness to act in obedience to His calling and purposes, relying on His strength and guidance. It is about standing firm because of WHO stands with us.
• Encouragement = our role in strengthening one another (Hebrews 10:24–25).
Definition: to strengthen, to build up, to breathe courage into someone, to exhort - to call to one;s side, to console, encouarage and strengthen by consolation, to comfort.
God uses us to encourage one another. We can either breathe courage into someone, or accidentally add to their discouragement.
👉 Core Truth: God has given each of us an assignment (Philippians 4:13). When we surrender our will to His Spirit, He infuses us with strength and courage to carry it out.
⸻
The Resin Analogy
• Part A = Our Will: incomplete, sticky, ineffective alone. Cannot be hardened on it's own. We cannot be what He designed us to be on our own.
• Part B = His Spirit: full of potential, waiting to activate. His Spirit is available and powerful but He can only transform us, when we surrender and allow Him to infuse us with His inner strength.
• When Combined: transformation, curing, strength, usefulness. when the two are combined - it is clear at first, and then gets a bit cloudy. it then heats up and once again becomes crystal clear. It is hard to see clearly when the Spirit of God is working in our lives but if we stay the course and trust the process...we will see clearly and we will become stronger and better for it. The resin once hardened becomes unbreakable once it is set.
• The Mold = God’s Plan: He shapes us. When our will surrenders to His Spirit, courage rises, transformation happens, and we are set into the mould He prepared for us. We stay inside of the mould - those boundaries He placed around us. We become the image of Christ for all to witness and see the transformation. The mould gives us shape and identity - the Spirit of God doesn't just strengthen us, He shapes us into His vessels for His purpose.
It takes great courage to stay inside of the mould long enough for the process to complete, even when it feels hot or uncomfortable - or confusing.
• The Board = Our Placement: He sets us where He wants us.
⸻
Step-by-Step: Created in Courage Resin Casting
(Always wear gloves, goggles, and work in a ventilated area. Follow your resin manufacturer’s instructions.)
1. Prepare — Get supplies needed for the resin and your favorite mould.
2. Mix — Combine Part A (your will) with Part B (His Spirit). Stir thoroughly.
3. Pour — Pour resin into a mold.
4. Cure — Wait patiently as transformation happens.
5. De-mold & Mount — Display your finished casting on a board as a daily reminder: created in courage.
Scriptures for Meditation
- 2 Chron 32:7-8
- Isaiah 41:10
- Philippians 4:13
- Hebrews 10:24–25
- Deuteronomy 31:6
- Isaiah 43:1
- Isaiah 64:8
- 1 Chron 22:13
- Heb 10:25
- 1 Chron 28:20
- Isaiah 4:6-7
- Rom 12:2
- 2 Cor 3:18
⸻
Don't let the enemy discourage you and rob your of your assignment / blessings and reaching your potential.
Ask The Father today, where do I need courage and Who can I encourage today?
3 Homework Steps
1. Write a discouraging word and replacing it with scripture.
2. Memorize 2 scriptures from the list above
3. Speak encouragement to 1 other person daily this entire week.
⸻
Final Word
Courage does not come from pushing through on our own. It is born when we let His Spirit meet our will. When our will meets His Spirit, courage cures. Just as resin transforms into something strong and enduring, God transforms us into vessels of purpose, ready to live out our assignment with boldness.
👉 Share your “Created in Courage” project with me. I’d love to see how you bring faith and creativity together.