Puzzling Pieces

  

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 

We were playing in the garage because it was raining outside, and we knocked a box off the shelf.  When we heard the breaking of plates, we knew it was going to be a bad day for us.  Jim was terrified that his Mom was going to be upset with us.  So we decided the best course of action was to confess it, take the punishment, and get it over with.  We told Jim's Mom what had happened and we apologized profusely.  His Mom looked angry for a what seemed like a month, but then she smiled and said, "You know, plates can be replaced. But I have an idea."  We spent the rest of the afternoon making mosaics from the pieces.

 I have a confession to make...I have trouble, sometimes, trusting that God will work everything out according to His plan.  Why? Because, in my limited ability to understand and see His hands at work, I cannot fathom just how He can possibly put all the broken pieces together again.  I struggle with my own understanding because I want to know what is going to happen, when it will happen, and how it will happen.  And God has reminded me that my struggle is called "Lack of Faith"!

When we look at all that is going on in the world, it's easy to wonder where God is in all of this and when will He step in and make it better.   Well, there's BAD NEWS and there's GOOD NEWS.

The BAD NEWS is we need to stop worrying, stop being anxious, stop wondering when and how God will work everything out.  Why? Because it's GOD'S job to fulfill His promise, not ours.  When we try to do God's job, we will quickly become overwhelmed and frustrated and give up.  God is the one with the plan and has worked out all the intricacies of His plan long before He even put the universe together.  How many times does God tell us not to fear and not be anxious?

The GOOD NEWS is that God has never lied to us or failed to fulfill His promises!  And He's not about to start now. God takes the pieces and puts everything in its place so that His plan will ultimately be the result.  And for that reason, we should praise Him and Thank Him!