Stepping Stones: God’s Great Puzzle

Transformational Thought

I was blessed to be born into a family of 14 children. After 60 years my brothers and sisters remain my teachers, accountability partners … and my best friends.

When her children where raised and living all across the country, my mother would cherish the times when we could all be together in her home. She prepared meals for days prior to the gatherings. She was in her glory when she took a head count and confirmed all were present.

At one such gathering, I had traveled 800 miles with my four young daughters to be part of this reunion. I noticed on this day that my mother appeared a bit “down”, so I asked her if everything was OK. She reminded me that my brother Jamie wasn’t able to join this gathering. I said flippantly, "What’s the big deal? You've got 13 other children here. Why aren't you satisfied with that?” And then came one of mom’s many treasured lessons.

She said that one missing piece is important because without all the pieces of the puzzle, the picture is incomplete … it ruins the beauty of putting the puzzle on display. She went on, as she always did, to link it to God and his Word.

She explained that like a puzzle, the body of Christ consists of many parts, which together make a complete picture. God has equipped each believer with the particular gifts needed to do what God has called him or her to do. When that person is missing or not following up with their role, an important part of God's plan is missing. The picture is incomplete. Not only does that person miss out on being part of God’s great puzzle, but all the other pieces are affected too and won’t connect as a whole.

Remember, that God has a perfect plan for His body of believers … including you! Like the pieces of a puzzle, each one of us has a specific place, a specific task to do. When every piece is in its God-designed place, the picture is perfect. But when a piece … even one … is missing, the body is incomplete.

Today, take ownership of your place in the puzzle. Are you absent … a piece that dropped off the table? Are some of your edges worn down or jagged … not fitting smoothly into the other pieces? Ask for feedback today from 2 people who are close to you. How can you fit better into God’s puzzle? Your decisions can sabotage God’s perfect fit, so align your decisions with God’s ways. Stop working against God. Working with your God-designed fit will lead to a pleasurable and easier life. Your decision, choose well.

Prayer
Father God, Thank You, Father, for letting me know that I am an important part of Your Grand puzzle. And thank You, Father, for equipping each member of Christ's body, the church, to do what You have called him or her to do. Help me to be aware and sensitive as You lead me to do my part. And help me encourage others to fulfill what You have called them to do. I ask this in the name of the ultimate picture on the puzzle box, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – Amen!

The Truth
Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.
Romans 12:4-5