Years ago, on Christmas day my
husband Kenya broke out a 500-piece puzzle that he had bought for the family to
put together. He was so excited about it.
So the Hobbs clan and I gathered around on the floor to try to put this thing together. At first, we were all feeling optimistic and ready for this new and fun challenge. But then, after about an hour, the children's smiles turned upside down.
"Is this thing ever gonna come together?" my oldest daughter Kyla asked.
Even though I tried to be positive about the whole thing, honestly, it had begun feeling like one of those evil homework assignments from my grade school days.
After two hours, Kenya was the only one still cheesing. Sadly, the little ones were so worn down by the torturous experience, our youngest daughter Kaiah started to cry. Poor thing.
Her little tears were her body's way of screaming, "Please mommy help me! I can't take it anymore."
I wanted to cry too.
That family activity was among the most pathetic, joyless experiences I have ever witnessed to date. Thankfully, Baby Girl's tears saved us. Kenya finally realized that the thrill was gone.
Needless to say, we didn't finish the puzzle that day. As a matter of fact, we put it away forever.
Kenya and I still crack up laughing about that experience. Nowadays, as a means of protecting the sanity of the family, he is no longer allowed to pick out the Christmas activities.
Sometimes, we all feel like Kaiah, though, don't we?
When the pieces of life's puzzle don't fall into place fast enough, we sulk and bemoan the difficulty of the valley experience. But, unlike us giving up on the puzzle that day, we cannot handle real life in the same way.
We have to persevere through those difficult seasons while waiting for things to come full circle and finally make sense. Like it or not, there will be those moments when things are unclear and out of order. Our pathway will not be well lit or smoothly paved. From time to time, we will feel confused about which direction we are headed and what God has in store for us.
When we are in this state, I know it is difficult to feel upbeat and optimistic about what the future holds. It can be tempting to cry, complain and just throw in the towel.
From your perspective, all you see are hundreds of pieces all scattered and out of place, without any clue about where they are supposed to go.
But God knows exactly how things will work out.
He already has a plan that He is bringing together and working out for your good. In the meantime, do not let the enemy deceive you into thinking that you are simply wandering aimlessly through life and that you will never arrive at your place of destiny.
In order to help you trust in God’s sovereignty when things don’t make any sense, I’m stirring Job 42:2 NIV into your cup of inspiration, which says, “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, if you receive this word today, you will not be tripped up by Satan’s attempts to discourage you and shake your confidence in God’s plan. You will stand firmly on His word despite how lost and directionless you feel, knowing full well that the times and seasons are in God’s hands according to Daniel 2:21.
When you cannot see your way, don't worry. Instead, just look to Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Light.
Now let’s pray.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
God, I cannot clearly see what you are doing in my life. But, even though things may not make perfect sense, I still believe You have a perfect plan for me. In times when I feel discouraged and lost, please remind me of the words You spoke in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I trust You Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with you. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
