Puzzle Pieces

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 29:11; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Frustrated, Todd and Jason held blue puzzle pieces in their hands, trying to figure out where to put them. “This is so hard!” Todd said as he tried fitting pieces together.

“Every piece looks the same!” Jason slammed down his piece of the blue sky.

Mrs. Stenman, Todd’s mom, laughed in the kitchen. “You boys need a break! C’mon and get a snack.”

“Just don’t feed us anything blue. I’m tired of blue,” Todd complained.

The boys walked into the kitchen and plopped down at the table. Mrs. Stenman brought over some snacks, making sure there was nothing blue. “So, by the look on your face, Todd, I probably shouldn’t buy you a puzzle for Christmas?” She chuckled. “What about you, Jason? What do you want?”

“Honestly, all I want for Christmas is to have my parents back together again,” Jason replied. “I want them to love each other like you and Mr. Stenman.”

“I can understand that, Jason,” said Mrs. Stenman. “My parents got divorced when I was about your age too.”

“They did?” asked Jason with wide eyes.

“Yes, and I wanted them to get back together as well. But now I realize that, through everything, God was working on me.”

“What do you mean?” Jason asked.

“God doesn’t waste our struggles. Take those blue puzzle pieces, for example. I know you don’t understand where those pieces go, and that can be frustrating. But if you threw them out, what would happen?”

“The puzzle would never be complete,” said Todd.

Mrs. Stenman nodded. “God can use hard stuff to help us know Him better and bring Himself glory. Having your parents be divorced is difficult, and divorce is not what God intended for your family. But God is still writing your story, Jason. And someday, you may be able to encourage others who are struggling with their parents’ divorce.”

“I think I understand,” replied Jason.

“You will, in time. Just remember that your life is not a puzzle to God. He has it all planned out, and He has promised you a great future and hope because you know Jesus!”

“Thanks, Mrs. Stenman,” said Jason. “Come on, Todd. Let’s go work on that blue sky.” Emily Rudolph

How About You?

Do you wish certain things in your life were different? Does it seem like everyone else has the “perfect” life, and you ended up with the hard one? If so, know that God loves you and that He’s working out a wonderful plan in your life. Your life is not a puzzle to God. He sees the big picture, and He saved you so you’d have a glorious future with Him. Trust Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

God has a good plan for you