The Puzzle

Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:10

“You’re still here?” asked Dad, descending the basement stairs to see his son sitting on the floor, surrounded by jigsaw puzzle pieces. “Shouldn’t you be playing basketball?”

“I don’t want to play,” answered John. “It’s not a fair game anymore. My friends keep getting taller, but I stay the same. I’d rather do this puzzle.”

“Looks like you’ve already made some connections,” said Dad, pointing to some clusters among the loose pieces. “Can I help?”

John nodded and cleared a place for his father to sit. “Here’s what it’s supposed to look like.” John tilted the lid of the box to show his father the underwater scene filled with marine animals. “I’ve only got the starfish and some seaweed.”

Dad examined a stiff clump of green pieces. “Does this seaweed look right?”

“The pieces almost fit, so I forced them together,” John said.

“What do you think will happen if you join the wrong pieces?” Dad asked.

“My picture won’t be the same as the one on the box.”

“Right. Each piece has its own place so the picture makes sense.” Dad detached the mismatched pieces and held one up. “This puzzle piece reminds me of you—you’re both unique! Just like this piece has a special shape, God made you in a special way with talents all your own. He designed your height on purpose, but you want to be taller instead of embracing the way God made you.”

“That’s like pushing the wrong pieces together,” said John. He reached over and freed some shapes that didn’t quite fit with the others.

“Exactly. Each piece plays a role in bringing the whole picture into focus, and everything about you fits into the picture God has planned. He created each one of us differently so together we can reflect a clear picture of Jesus to those who don’t know Him. Maybe you’ll grow taller, and you can pursue your dream of playing basketball. If not, don’t worry. Ask Jesus to help you discover your strengths so you can help bring His picture into focus.”

“Okay,” John said. “I’ll start praying about it tonight—and I won’t quit basketball just yet!”

Dad ruffled John’s hair. “Now that we’ve solved your basketball problems, let’s figure out this puzzle!”

How About You?

Do you feel confident being yourself? Or do you act differently to fit in with your friends so they will accept you? Jesus loves and accepts you just as you are, so you should accept yourself too! He created you with your own personality and gave you specific talents, and you fit perfectly into the picture He has planned. Trust Him to guide you in using your unique gifts for Him.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 139:14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

You are unique