Making Sense of Each Puzzle Piece

When my children were little we sat connecting puzzle pieces together.  I gently encouraged them to look for the clues in order to determine where each piece fit... by paying attention to colors...shapes...pictures...lines. I watched them carefully work, trying to make sense of each piece and where it might fit.

Occasionally, they got upset; they'd put their puzzle piece down and cry out, "I just can't do this!"

Each time, I put the puzzle piece back in their hand and encouraged them to try again...and that they could do it.

Sometimes, I feel just like them. I look at the pieces of my life...looking for clues of how they might fit together...but the fragmented pieces just don't make sense. In sheer desperation I throw my hands into the air and say..."I just can't do this!"

BUT...the truth is, we seldom recognize the reason for each season of our life. Most of the time, it's not until it's all over that we can look back and make any sense of the "Why's".

Over the last couple of years, I've abandoned myself to trust God. Instead of focusing on the why's or trying to make sense of my circumstances, I have resolved to center my attention on WHO GOD IS and REMEMBER WHAT HE HAS PROMISED...trusting that He truly is a good God and is working ALL THINGS together for my good...knowing that one day I will look back and realize how "each piece"  fit.

How about you? Will you pick up your puzzle piece again? Will you take up your cross and follow after Him?

I can sense God encouraging us today, putting the puzzle pieces back into our hands, encouraging us to try again...and that we can do it! Amidst all our battles He is with us and will work all things together for our good.

Isaiah 43:1-3 encourages us, "But now, this is what the LORD says — he who created you..."Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior..." (NIV)

And Romans 8:28-29 reminds us, "...that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (NKJV)

PRAYER: Father, I pray for the one who is discouraged, for the one who is weak, for the one who can't make any sense of the reason for this particular season of their life; encourage them. Encourage each one of us to press on. Fill us with confidence of WHO YOU ARE. Help us to remember Your promises. Empower us to live life abundantly and to bring glory to You. Fill us with joy we pray. We put our trust in you. In Jesus name, amen.