Puzzles

Tapestries and puzzles are beautiful. Pictures on canvas slowly taking shape one stitch at a time. Puzzles are pictures put together one irregular shape at a time. The top of the tapestry perfect, each color stitched in the correct place. Puzzles pieces find their designated position either around the border or as part of the center based on color and shape.

Tapestries are hideous messes on the underside and puzzles are frustratingly difficult as each unique piece must be tried multiple times to find its exact position in the picture. Furthermore, I have attempted to make tapestries as beautiful on the underside as the top to no avail. I rarely complete a puzzle, I do not have the patience, time or inclination. In case, I have not been clear, I hate puzzles! I do not purchase them. I do not attempt to do them or even help in their assembly if they have more than 50 pieces. I will pass thank you!

Not a Norman Rockwell Puzzle of Life

A dear friend and I were discussing a Sunday school lesson the other day. I had found a quote that read: “If a manufacturer can be trusted to put all the pieces of a puzzle in a box don’t you think God can be trusted to be sure all your puzzle pieces are included in your life?

This is convicting. Of course He is! The problem is I like control of my puzzle pieces and the time it takes to get my picture perfect. (I know, this is completely laughable.) I have my own idea of how I want my life to look and thus far, my picture is not even close to what I see in my head. I must be honest and admit, I try to take control of my life and those around me to get my Norman Rockwell vision to come to life. It isn’t happening! Hence my utter angst.

Trust God with the pieces

Trust is a day by day challenge. Scripture reveals God’s time is not the same as ours. This I know. Yet, life has a way of hitting me from my blindside and putting me on my keister and I come up swinging, fighting for some semblance of control and calm. Recently, I went down, HARD! Knocked out cold. Unable to breathe. I saw my heart lying on the ground, stomped and gushing blood.

The enemy stood in the corner laughing a heinous laugh and shouting his victory, cheered on by the demons of hell that filled the room. He believed he had delivered a knockout punch in this round and I would not rise from the mat ever again. He was correct in his initial assessment. I looked bad. I was weak and worn out and had the white flag of surrender in my clenched fist ready to throw at him to just get him to leave.

A Different Vision

As I lay bleeding, screaming in pain, weeping, and watching my life and its hopes and dreams march across my mind, the still small voice of God whispered to me, “I have not forgotten what I told you! It will happen, but not as you envisioned, not the “happily ever after” way. I will write My story, My way, and the beauty of it will be Mine. You are not the only one in this story and I am putting everything and everyone in place where I need them to be. I know you are hurting and this is not what you expected. Will you just trust Me to do what is best for all in this?”

The enemy wants to steal, kill and destroy

I looked up at the enemy glaring at me, shoved the white flag into my pocket, and slowly began to rise to my knees. I claimed God’s promises to me, thanked Him for His mercy and grace despite my lack of faith and thanked Him for the story He is writing in the lives of His children.

Sitting at the feet of Jesus

I do not begin to understand His ways. Nor can I conceive of His thoughts. I marvel at the power of His words. (Isaiah 40:8, Hebrews 4:12) The enemy has not left the ring. (Luke 4:13) I wish he had. He is still attacking, kicking me while down. Taunting me with his lies. Placing morbid and devastating thoughts in my mind. Reminding me of past grief and touching those wounded places of my heart. So, daily I crawl to the feet of Jesus and reach out for the hem of His garment where healing resides. I am fighting for life, not only mine but many others. Each day I am stronger. Each day I am more able to deflect the enemies wounding blows by using the armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-20)

God Reveals Pieces of our Puzzle in His Time

Trust is a day by day challenge. Scripture reveals God’s time is not the same as ours. He reveals then waits, and waits, and waits until all the puzzle pieces are in the proper place save one. Then, at just the “fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4-7) He puts the last piece in place and the picture is complete. Isaiah 40:31 tell us, “They that wait, shall renew their strength….” Waiting is hard. Time is pregnant (full of life) with much God is giving and I miss it trying to get to the last bell of the slug fest I am in with the devil. I forget, the fight is already WON! I fight from victory not for victory. (Matthew 4:10, Ephesians 6:17)

Joy Comes in the Morning

As a child of God, I am still just a teen: Far from mature. He still has much to teach this stubborn daughter of His. I am thankful for the other children of God, He placed around me during the boxing match. They cheered me on to NOT throw in the towel. They helped me stand though unable to breathe on my own. They gave their strength to me when I had none of my own. They implored the Father on my behalf. They will rejoice with me and for me when this battle is over for He will reign and His promises will come to pass.

The grief I felt was like Mary Magdelene’s: She could not see what God was doing outside her vision. All she could see was what was happening in her small space of vision; Jesus was dead. As a result, She was devastated and had no idea what to do next. But, Sunday morning came and Jesus, the risen LORD, called her by name and helped her see the big picture. Her joy was then unbounded. Her love for Him knew no limits. “Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)
Puzzles, I still do NOT like them. However, I can appreciate the beauty they give, the stories they tell, and I can marvel at those who can do them with grace, patience, dignity, and honor. Maybe someday I will too.

Haven’t Seen It Yet by Danny Gokey on YouTube

 

Further devotions

Finding All of the Pieces -Life’s Puzzle

https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2019/04/09/finding-all-of-the-pieces/