Little Sunday Story: The Art Contest Prize

The Art Contest Prize

by Ashley Karges

Oct 26, 2025

Luke 18: 9-14

Themes:

-Seek God with a humble heart

-Pridefulness closes our eyes to how God works in our lives

Malulabelle entered the art gallery, her chest puffed out with confidence. Today, the results of the painting contest would be announced. The first-place winner would receive a free day at Art Camp!

“Are you nervous, Malulabelle?” Oliver had entered the contest too.

“No, I worked hard on my painting. I have a really good feeling about this. Are you nervous, Oliver?”

“A little. I wish I was as sure as you. A day at Art Camp would be a dream come true! I’ve never gone. Good luck, Malulabelle!” Oliver joined the other artists across the room.

Oliver was right. Art Camp was like a dream. Malulabelle had attended Art Camp twice. She loved the brightly colored paints, fancy brushes, and learning new skills from the creative teachers.    

The gallery director approached the microphone, and the room hushed.

Malulabelle smiled, closed her eyes, and whispered, “Dear Jesus, just a quick prayer. Thank you for the artistic gifts you’ve given me. I can’t wait to win first place!”

She opened her eyes, and heard the news:

“Our first-place award goes to… Oliver! Congratulations, Oliver! Enjoy your time at Art Camp!”

The crowd erupted with applause! Oliver accepted his certificate with a beaming smile and firm handshake.

Malulabelle was happy for Oliver. He was a wonderful artist! But she also had a sinking feeling in her heart. She had been certain she would take home the first-place prize.  

Malulabelle knew what to do. She closed her eyes again. “Dear Jesus, I feel a little disappointed that I didn’t win.” She glanced at Oliver surrounded by friends, his smile still beaming. Her heart softened. Seeing Oliver so happy gave Malulabelle a new thought. “It wasn’t my time to win, Jesus, and that’s Ok. I’m glad Oliver can attend Art Camp. He will love it!”

Malulabelle ran to the group of friends and gave Oliver a hug. “Congratulations, Oliver!”

“Thank you! I was surprised to win! Malulabelle, when I return from Art Camp, I will share everything I’ve learned, and we can paint together.”

Malulabelle couldn’t wait. She knew this would make their friendship even closer.

‘This is my prize,’ she prayed. ‘Thank you, Jesus.’

Sometimes in our prayers, we might think only of ourselves. It is ok to pray for ourselves, but God asks us to think of others too; to come to Him with humble hearts. That means thinking of others first. When we are humble in prayer, it opens our eyes to how God is working in our lives. We come to see that we all need God, and we learn to rely on Him fully.