To walk in faith is to walk blindly. But, in my own walk, I’ve found myself searching for something to cling my actual sight to as I go about this way. I know what it means to have faith without sight, but let’s be honest, sometimes we need visuals. Take it from an artist.

What reassures us along the way? What do we see that lets us keep believing this way is The Way. When I can’t see where I’m going, what helps me see with faith?

Promises.The Promise Keeper’s Promises are like markers on my map. They reassure my heart as I find my way through life. And when I cling tightly to his Promises, I walk with more Trust and build more endurance.

I’ve spent months studying biblical Promises, but none more than the Promise made to the Israelites when they were led to the Promise Land of their Freedom. These shell paintings represent, not only God’s Promises, but also his unlikely ways of fulfilling his Promises. Imagine being on that quest to the Promise Land! If I walked that miraculous seafloor road to freedom, I would have snagged a souvenir or two; something to serve as a daily, visible reminder of what I experienced. And that’s my purpose for these shell paintings. They remind me that the Guiding Father has made countless paths when His children could see no possible way through. He was a way maker then, he is a way maker now, and he will be making ways forever. He makes roads paved in Promise— even when all we can see is a dead end the size of a sea.

I know all that. I believe it too. But still… I don’t know… I have a hard time imagining how. Look— the Promised mother, Sarah, laughed at the absurdity of God’s Promise! A 90 year old woman, a mother?? No way! How in the world?! See? We are not the only ones struggling with this Promise thing. We are not the only ones challenged to believe it could be possible. Yet, here we are!… representing that laughable Promise. We are Abraham and Sarah’s Promised descendants—as many as the stars in the sky! And likewise, we are heirs to that Promise Land of Freedom. Impossible paths have been paved for us. Freedom is a Promise. But it’s up to us to believe it even when we can’t see it. It’s up to us to trust the Way Maker’s Way.

As I collected shells on the beach last summer, I recognized that I could hold and collect all these beautiful and faithful Promises as easily as I can collect pretty shells on the beach. I can allow Promises to became something real and useful— something visual, tangible and collectible— and not because I need to see it to believe it, but because seeing it reminds me to never stop believing it. By assigning one Promise to each shell painting, I am teaching myself to recognize the supernatural powers that are working beyond my sight. May these Promise Shells serve as your daily, visual reminders too— because God makes paths even when we see no possible way. His ways are not our ways. And that’s a promise!

Promise of Compassion: Psalm 86:15

But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God,
slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

Promise of Rest: Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Promise of Love: Psalm 36:5-7

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.

Your righteousness is like the highest mountains,
your justice like the great deep.
You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!
People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Promise of Freedom: John 8: 31-32

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Promise of Answered Prayers: Psalm 37:4

Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Promise of Provision: Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Promise of Strength: Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint.

Promise of Everlasting Life: John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Promise of Good Purpose: Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Promise of Protection: Psalm 91:2

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

Promise of Help: Isaiah 41:13

For I am the Lord your God
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
I will help you.

Promise of Peace: John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Promise of Guidance: Proverbs 3:6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

Promise of Support: Exodus 14:14

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Promise of Companionship: Matthew 28:20

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.