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Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome world.” (John 16:33 NLT)
That bible verse says it all as we navigate a life filled with peaks and valleys, joys, and sorrows. But Jesus also gives us the hope and assurance and truth, that at the centre of it all, he has overcome the world and its ongoing challenges. Speaking from experience and nearly 62 years on planet earth, I know how hard it can be to find the courage to pray when your strength is waning and your faith is under attack.
Frankly speaking, our lives can be sprinkled with calamitous experiences. I occasionally joke with my wife and say something to the effect of, “I’ll be glancing over my shoulder today waiting for the next bomb to drop.” Though pessimistic, I believe it is also very true; that just when the choppy ocean waves smooth out a bit, another unseen crest upends the boat—and usually when it is least expected.
My wife loves to puzzle, and periodically I will wander over to the table in our living room to see if I can add to the picture. I stood there for nearly an hour and only managed to place three pieces. Yes, I stink at puzzling! As I starred aimlessly at the partially assembled picture of birds and butterflies, I could not help but draw a comparison; that like the scrambled puzzle—the messy and often jumbled areas of my life are being connected by God one piece at a time, that He promises to work everything for good as I pray and trust.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NIV)
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 16,17 NLT)
God has my life, and yes, yours in the palm of his hand. We are our Heavenly Father’s puzzle, and he is working to fit together all our disjointed prayers and worries, fears, and anxieties into a beautiful mosaic according to His perfect plan. It may take time and effort on our part, and we need to pray unceasingly through the chaos, but rest assured that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ can be emphatically trusted to act on our behalf when the time is right and the pieces all fit.
Paul Smyth
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