“The Great Puzzle Maker”
If there was a puzzle contest, you definitely would not want me as your partner. Unless it was 12 pieces or less and made out of wood. In other words, I’m really bad at putting colors (being colorblind doesn’t help) and shapes together. Chris on the other hand – she loves them but now prefers 500 pieces or less. So, what does a devotional have to do with puzzles? Because you and I are puzzles designed by the “Great Puzzle Maker.” Okay, work with me here!
Why a puzzle? How many times have you said, “I’m falling to pieces?” The Lord told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you, and before you were born, I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations” (1:5). I know, you’re quick to say, “Those words were specifically for Jeremiah.” Okay, let’s get personal. “I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” (Jer. 29:11). The Psalmist admitted, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb” (139:13).
We know God is our creator, designer, planner, orchestrator, and while allowing us to do as we please, has the ability to make something beautiful with our lives. We can stray away from His guidance and get lost in the darkness, but we’re a piece of His overall picture called the “Church.” He’ll seek and find us to make his puzzle picture complete.
Sometimes we do terrible things and get into trouble. Going against His will often leads to shattered and ruined lives. That’s a sad and horrible place to be in. Thankfully the “Great Puzzle Maker” has the ability to find every single broken piece of our heart, mind, emotions, and forgive every sin we’ve ever committed. If allowed, He’ll take every broken piece, brush it off, clean it up and place into its proper place making you better than you were before.
Too often we mess up and think there isn’t any way back to a good and decent life. Relationships are broken, bad habits control our life. Satan tries to convince us we have no hope. But Satan is no match for the “Great Puzzle Maker.” He’s the designer of your life. God’s plan for you is still in place. All it takes is a total surrender of your life into His hands and as he puts the pieces of your life back together, it becomes a life (and picture) of beauty and purpose.
Pastor Carnes
