Nothing is more puzzling to see something we cherish and value crumble.
Watching from the sidelines as someone’s health fails, as a marriage falters, as kids disavow their parents, as difficult financial situation collapse—the list goes on.
Those times when we question where God is, and what in the world he’s doing.
Unlike some royals who abdicate their position (or their good sense) when maidens come calling, God does not falter. He does not take missteps. He has not renounced his position, relinquished his authority, or abandoned any one of us.
God is still on the throne.
Even when it feels like pieces of the puzzle have gone missing.
Here’s a thought: Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can come.
And sometimes pieces haven’t gone missing—it’s just that God has held them back. Like the brother who quietly pockets a piece so he can steal the honor of completing the puzzle…
…as some OTHER brothers might consider doing.
It might surprise you to learn that in cases when a jigsaw puzzle piece cannot be found, you can often contact the manufacturer and they’ll send you one. Many popular jigsaw puzzle manufacturers have created programs to replace individual pieces.
You can do the same when you’re struggling to wrap your head around the incomprehensible things in your own life, and the lives of those around you. Go to the Manufacturer.
You might not understand any more than your friends do, any more than I do. But God KNOWS.
Here’s something that’s really puzzling: Why would Jesus, who is God, pray to God for us? Why would the Holy Spirit, who is also God, pray to God for us?
Jesus is able, now and forever, to save from the punishment of sin all who come to God through Him because He lives forever to pray for them.
Hebrews 7:25 NLV
God knows the hearts of men. He knows what the Holy Spirit is thinking. The Holy Spirit prays for those who belong to Christ the way God wants Him to pray.
Romans 8:27 NLV
Whoa! If God is willing to go to the Manufacturer (who is—wait for it—also God) on our behalf, I think that’s a pretty good indication we should, too.
Here’s something else worth pondering. Romans 8:27 tells us the Holy Spirit is praying for us. The next verse gives us a clue as to why:
We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.
Romans 8:28 Voice
I love the picture of God orchestrating everything together, like a conductor in front of a full orchestra who gathers and guides all the individual parts to play a dazzling symphony together.
God’s got this.
He has you, and your situation, and your loved ones and their situation held in his hands, close to his heart.
Today, simply thank Father God for holding everything together according to his plan. And ask him to help you trust his heart when you can’t understand everything he’s got his fingers wrapped around.
That’s worship.
–Pastor Steve.