Have you ever put together a jigsaw puzzle, just to get to the end and find a missing piece or two? It’s frustrating that you can see what the picture will be, but you can’t see the completion.
I recently shared with someone that God often shows me things in pieces, like a jigsaw puzzle. I said that sometimes I see pieces, but I don’t always know how they fit together.
As I was in prayer today, God reminded me of that conversation, and He showed me a situation in my life that is just like that puzzle with the missing piece. I saw pieces, but didn’t know how they were going to fit. Now I am starting to see the pieces fit, but there is still just one thing missing. I can finally see God’s plan coming together.
I have been struggling with this situation for what feels like an eternity. Many times I have questioned God and asked Him if He was even listening to my prayers. I know what the Bible says, but I certainly have felt like He had left me to go through this alone.
Do you have a missing piece too? How many times have you felt like God just wasn’t there, or wasn’t hearing your prayers? How long have you been praying for a breakthrough?
I promise you, He hasn’t left you. Deuteronomy 31:8 (MSG) says, “God is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t worry.” Whatever you are going through, God has already gone before you. The Merriam Webster dictionary actually defines stride as “to step over (2021).” God already stepped over your obstacle. He knew that you would struggle, but He has been with you the whole way.
Even though I know that scripture is true and I am trusting Him, I have become so weary in the wait.
I shared this scripture with a friend this week, and God brought it back to mind while I was praying today. Romans 8:28 (MSG) says, “ Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”
God saw my weariness, and He is working my situation into a testimony of His goodness. Although my picture is not totally clear. I can see that the end is in sight. I can see that God is working things out on my behalf. I can see that God has been working for me even when it felt like He had left me.
As I was studying today, I came across Isaiah 41:13(ESV), “For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”
Have you ever thought about that before? Picture in your mind, God holding your hand. This image struck me hard today. I only hold hands with my husband, and maybe my elementary aged students. I held hands with my kids when they were younger, but not anymore. Of course I held hands with my mom or other family members when I was younger. Holding hands is reserved for someone close to us. So to think about God holding my hand really hit me. It is an act of closeness, or intimacy.
God is holding his hand out to you today. Grab hold and don’t let go. Your time is coming. God is already working on your behalf. Don’t go searching for that missing piece on your own. It only fits if it’s God’s will, God’s time, God’s way.
Lord, my journey may be long, and I may be getting weary; but thank you for being there every step of the way. I pray that you take my hand and lead me through. Thank you for the victory and testimony that will come if I remain in step with you. I pray that you help me through my journey and renew my strength. Amen.
Journal prompt: What puzzle is God putting together in my life? Where am I in the process,do I see any of the progress?
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