In the last month or so, I’ve really gotten into puzzles… As a kid I hated them… Even though the picture was on the front of the box, I could never figure out how each puzzle piece fit… Inevitably, I’d give up and go draw or something – do something I had control of and could actually make sense of!
But, recently, I’ve been enjoying the challenge of figuring out the mystery of where each piece fits. (Of course, I’ve been referencing the picture on the front of the box, but, nevertheless, I’ve found some success…) I’ve been surprised by the number of times I thought one piece went, maybe, in a bottom corner as part of a river or stream, only to discover it actually belonged up top, in the clouds on the picture… Then, when it all comes together, it’s so gratifying and you can actually enjoy how each piece fits into the BIG picture!
I’ve come to realize that life is like this… From the time I was in high school, I have often thought I knew God’s plans and purposes in the circumstances of my life. I’ve even thought I could manipulate Him or my circumstances to make my plans come about. In essence, I didn’t really believe God could be trusted with my fears or my dreams… I’d have to handle them on my own, because He was too busy doing the big things (ex. saving people during famines or earthquakes; caring for the orphans or even children of divorce or abuse, etc.) and He didn’t concern Himself with (or couldn’t truly resolve) the small things (ex. my feelings, dreams, hopes, fears, relationships, etc.).
But I’ve recently discovered that God is actually much BIGGER than MY plans… and especially my fears… I thought He wasn’t big enough to solve my problems or handle my dreams… I was wrong. And, let me tell you, it’s been comforting to know that God is bigger than me… Because when left to myself, I’m truly a mess and unable to climb out of the holes I dig myself into…
So, it’s His greatness I’ve been reminded of lately; of His ability to see the BIG picture and work in ways that I cannot see, know, understand or always recognize:
“Then Job replied to the LORD: ‘I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, “Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?” Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” – Job 42:1-3
And again in Isaiah:
“’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ says the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.’” – Isaiah 55:8-12
And so, be encouraged… You might think that God is unaware of the troubles you face, of your fears, of the dreams that you ache to see become reality. He is big enough to handle them all and is already working in your life so that you might know Him and let Him be your everything; the One who you trust above all else who can walk alongside you through life’s uncertainties and heartache…. It’s definitely not a walk in the park, but it’s joy and peace…
So, I’m trying to remember and live by King Solomon’s advice:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Indeed, I acknowledge Him and will keep trusting Him though I cannot see or understand. Will you?
**THANK YOU to the MANY GENEROUS people in my life who have donated to this mission trip for me! I will never forget your sacrifice! On-wards towards the next financial goal – $13,000 by February 29th! And, consider being part of my prayer team – message me if you think you can commit to regular prayer for my ministry this coming year!**
