A Puzzle!

Puzzles can be puzzling whether we are talking about word puzzles or picture puzzles. However, with either there is the need to look for the obvious and begin from there. Now, I like the picture puzzles with big pieces and a shaped border for each one; the puzzles made for very young children. When I see the pile of pieces for a 500 or more piece jigsaw puzzle, it appears overwhelming. (Incidentally, my wife loves the thousand or more piece puzzles.)

The key to putting a picture puzzle together is to first become familiar with the picture on the box. That is how the finished puzzle is to look. Then, beginning with the obvious pieces (like the four corners and the edges), by process of elimination the puzzle can be eventually completed. I've even known some who would separate the various colored pieces into pie plates in order to group them for those sections of the puzzle. It may take time and a considerable amount of patience, but is possible.

Life can be puzzling. Haven't we experienced it? Besides everything going on around us of which we try to make sense, we struggle GETTING OUR OWN LIFE TOGETHER. We are limited by not always having a full view of it. Sometimes pieces are missing or attempts are made to put them in the wrong place. Still, just as with a picture puzzle, that which is obvious is where we ought to begin working on our life. In time God -- Who has the whole picture in view, knowing where every piece properly fits -- will help us bring it to completion.

Remember, initially we were created to posses the image of God. ( Genesis 1:26-27) Is that picture being kept in view? If we are looking at a worldly picture, the pieces of our life will not come together as intended. The psalmist stated, we are fearfully and wonderfully made ( Psalm 139:14), knitted together in our mothers womb ( Psalm 139:13) in full view of our God.

Paul noted a picture of the transformation where he wrote. . .

"(10) and have put THE NEW SELF, which is BEING RENEWED IN KNOWLEDGE AFTER THE IMAGE OF ITS CREATOR." ( Colossians 3:10 ESV)

Looking into God's Word we can begin to see what is out of place, thus being enabled to make the needed changes as we trust Him to help in the assembly. He Who created us also has the power to renew and sustain us.

Now, we may be anxious for the picture to become complete. I am always eager to help my wife complete a jigsaw puzzle when she has just a few pieces left. I'm not so eager at the beginning. The transformation of our life takes some time and so the need for patience. When will the picture of our life be fully assembled? John encouraged. . .

"(2) Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that WHEN HE APPEARS WE SHALL BE LIKE HIM, because we shall see him as he is." ( 1 John 3:2 ESV)

God has given us glimpses of the completed picture, but He is the One Who has the whole picture in view. May we seek His guidance in getting all the pieces of our life where they belong. The end will be a masterpiece.

Have a great day TRUSTING GOD AS HE CONTINUES ASSEMBLING OUR LIFE!
Carl

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