The Artist Who Laid Down His Brush

Judson W. Van DeVenter was a gifted painter and art teacher in the late 1800s. He loved the canvas — the sweep of color, the satisfaction of creating something beautiful with his own hands. But for five years, a quiet call pressed against his heart. Friends, pastors, and mentors all saw what he kept resisting: God was calling him into full-time ministry.

Van DeVenter wrestled. He bargained. He delayed. The art career was comfortable and satisfying. Ministry meant uncertainty and sacrifice. But the call would not relent.

Finally, at a revival meeting, he stopped running. He later described the moment simply: the old life of self and pride was laid down, and a life of surrender took its place. Out of that crucible of obedience came one of the church's most enduring hymns — "I Surrender All."

"All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give."

What strikes me is that obedience did not arrive in a single dramatic flash. It came after five years of the Almighty's patient, persistent invitation. God did not force his hand. He waited — the way a father waits for a child to finally trust enough to let go.

Some of us are in year one of that wrestling. Some are in year five. The God who called Van DeVenter is the same God calling you — not to give up something good, but to take hold of something better.