The Christmas Ladder (part 2)
In my last post I started telling the story of how God opened the door for an illustrator in a far-away country to illustrate “The Christmas Ladder”. Today I hope to inspire you to not only listen to the song and watch the video when they are released, but also to encourage you to step out in faith—as God leads—in the gifts He has given you.
One of the heroes of faith whom I had the honor of serving with was Dr. Bob Williams. Bob often encouraged me to attempt great things for God with the words “God’s work, done God’s way, will never lack God’s resources”. As I have adopted that truth and have sought God and His plan above my own designs, I have seen God’s provisions come—again and again!
From the beginning, I committed “The Christmas Ladder” song, video, and book to God with the realization that He alone knows its purpose and role in the lives of people He loves and wants to touch. I realize there are many songs, books, and videos available today, so as a writer and singer, I simply want to use the gifts God has given me and then leave the results to Him.
I have experienced God’s provision for “The Christmas Ladder” through the past months. With each part of the project, people and funding came—just in the nick of time—through unexpected gifts and honorariums that were enough to cover the costs. That’s the exciting and uncomfortable part of walking in faith, as we wait for God’s answers and resources to come. As this creative project has unfolded I have—over and over—seen God’s hand at work.
Last summer, while my wife was away with her mom and sister for a few days, I was inspired to turn “The Christmas Ladder” story into an original song. Over several weeks and through many refinements it finally came together as a song, and in August we recorded the basic tracks. This recording session was a thrill for me as I recorded it with my brother Joe and friend Steve. Several decades ago we had a band called “Sunrise”, so this was a sweet reunion—along with a couple other talented musicians.
As I listened to the recording over the next few weeks, I felt it wasn’t quite finished. In a phone conversation my friend Steve advised me that I needed to be comfortable putting my name on it before releasing it. I took Steve’s counsel to heart and asked for God’s guidance. A few weeks later I connected with my friend Matt, a prolific musician and producer. After listening to the song Matt told me he wanted to add his touch to it, and we moved ahead. Once again, God provided in a big way.
Even as the recording process continued, I kept in communication with the illustrator who was bringing the vision for the book to life through 20 watercolor drawings. I continued to pray for this person, whom I never met, through the days and weeks that followed. The day the illustrations were due to be completed I received a text message from the illustrator, requesting more time. In the message she said there had been no electrical power in their area for several days due to the aerial bombings of utilities in their native country…
Ukraine.
Up until that moment I had no idea where our illustrator lived, as it was never mentioned in our communications. I was greatly moved with compassion and sadness for what I could only imagine life has been like for this person over the past year. I continue to pray for our illustrator, Victoria, and the people in Ukraine as they endure and persevere through the devastation and tragedy of war.
Victoria submitted the final, completed illustrations to us last week, and they are beautiful. Her artistic contribution to this project has taken on much more meaning.
Earlier this week, my friend Matt completed the recording, it was mastered, and sounds fantastic! I am excited and happy to put my name on it. “The Christmas Ladder” will be available on all music services very soon, and I hope God uses it to bless people and give them hope and joy in the Christmas season.
Finally, God provided a gifted video producer, Clay, who crafted the song and illustrations into a beautiful video experience. In my next post I'll include a link for you to follow to view it and hopefully share with family and friends.
When we enter into a life-changing relationship with God we are given gifts and opportunities to in which to use them. God loves to give us both natural and spiritual gifts, and to see them used for His work in in the lives of people.
God’s work, done God’s way, will never lack God’s resources! The Bible puts it this way:
“ God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work…Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 9: 8,10)
God bless you!
Chris Atkins