What transforms a creative project from simple entertainment into something that touches hearts across generations? The answer lies not in bigger budgets or better equipment, but in surrendering our gifts to the One who gave them to us in the first place.
We recently interviewed our dear friend John Hernandez from Zinco Tools in our weekly meeting. We found out how John went from atheism to creating animations that speak life to a younger generation. He shared with us some profound truths on the subject.
Sometimes God uses the most unexpected journeys to prepare us for our calling. His path from atheism to faith-driven storytelling shows us how dramatically our perspective can shift when we encounter Christ. After a transformative religious experience, this creative realized his true calling wasn't just to entertain, but to create stories that connect children with their purpose in Christ.
What started as drawing Bible stories and principles for his daughter evolved into a mission to use animation as a way to impact the younger generation. Despite the challenges of learning animation and working with limited resources, the pursuit of this God-given passion continued to unfold.
The Hebrew Foundation of Creativity
According to John, understanding creativity through a Biblical lens changes everything. The Hebrew word "bara" from Genesis 1:1 reveals something profound about God's creative power. This isn't just about making something from nothing - it's about the divine nature of creativity itself flowing through our work when we surrender it to Him.
When we grasp that our creative abilities are reflections of our Creator, our approach to storytelling shifts. We're not just crafting narratives; we're participating in God's ongoing work of creation and redemption.
Spirit-Led Creative Process
What does it actually look like to invite the Holy Spirit into our creative work? It starts with daily surrender. Before diving into projects, taking time to submit our plans, ideas, and even our desired outcomes to God opens the door for His guidance.
This doesn't mean we sit back passively. It means we study extensively, develop our skills, and work diligently while remaining open to the Spirit's direction. Sometimes this guidance comes through unexpected project shifts or opportunities that surprise us - like working on major productions that provide exposure and connection beyond what we initially envisioned.
The key is maintaining a posture of service rather than self-promotion. When our focus shifts from "what can I gain?" to "how can I serve others through my creativity?" our work takes on eternal significance.
Perseverance Through Limited Resources
One of the biggest lies creative people believe is that they need perfect conditions to do meaningful work. The reality is that some of the most impactful creative work comes from those who succeed despite limitations, not because they had every advantage.
Tenacity becomes more valuable than talent when it comes to long-term creative impact. Being "as stubborn as a donkey" in pursuing your calling, especially when resources are scarce, often matters more than having the latest equipment or biggest budget.
This perseverance isn't just human determination - it's rooted in a deep spiritual connection and trust that God will provide what's needed for the work He's called us to do.
Redefining Creative Success
The creative industry often measures success through awards, recognition, and financial gain. But when creativity becomes ministry, the metrics change completely. True success gets measured by intimacy with God and our ability to lead people to Him through our work.
This perspective shift is liberating. It means the small project that touches one heart carries the same value in God's eyes as the major production that reaches millions. Every act of creativity done for His glory holds equal significance in the Kingdom.
This doesn't mean we shouldn't pursue excellence or larger platforms. It means we hold these opportunities with open hands, grateful for whatever reach God provides while staying focused on faithfulness rather than fame.
Creating for Joy and Glory
When we create primarily for God's glory and joy rather than personal recognition, something beautiful happens. The pressure to perform for human approval lifts, and we're free to create from a place of love and service.
This approach affects not just our final products but our entire creative process. We can take risks, experiment, and even fail without our identity being threatened because our worth isn't tied to our work's reception.
The Generational Impact of Faith-Driven Stories
Stories have unique power to connect across age groups. When biblical principles are woven into narratives that address daily life challenges, they resonate with children, adults, and grandparents alike. This multi-generational impact happens because truth transcends age - everyone needs hope, purpose, and connection with their Creator.
Faith-driven storytelling creates bridges between generations, giving families shared language and values to discuss life's biggest questions.
Moving Forward with Kingdom Creativity
For creatives feeling stuck or unsure how to connect their gifts with their calling, the path forward involves both practical steps and spiritual surrender. Study your craft extensively. Develop your skills. But do it all while maintaining daily surrender of your work to God.
Remember that your creative gifts aren't accidents - they're part of how God designed you to participate in His Kingdom work. Whether you're facing creative blocks, financial limitations, or uncertainty about direction, faithfulness in the small things prepares you for whatever larger opportunities God has in store.
The goal isn't to become famous Christian creatives. It's to become faithful stewards of the gifts we've been given, creating stories that honor God and point others toward their purpose in Christ. When that becomes our focus, our creativity transforms from career to calling, from entertainment to ministry, from temporary impact to eternal legacy.
Does this topic make you want to more surrounded my like-minded faith-based creatives?
Then, join us Monday nights at 7:00pm EST in-person in Orlando! Send an email to cindy@therevelationcollective.com if you want the physical location address.
We go online at 7:30pm EST. Here's the zoom link!
