When my husband retired from the army, we “knew” we were going directly into mission work. Ten years later, after attending a mission school, serving on a church staff, and attending seminary, we ended up doing Christian work in Budapest, Hungary.
Sometimes God only gives us one piece of the puzzle and it may not even be the next piece. But why does He do this?
I think there are several reasons:
1. To give us patience, endurance, and humility (James 1:3).
2. To make us hold on to a dream even when it seems improbable (Hebrews 11:1). See Pondering the Story of Joseph.
3. To prepare us for the goal (2 Peter 1:3-8).
But perhaps the most important reason is this:
4. To teach us that He’s just as interested in the process as the goal (Philippians 2:14-16). He wants us to represent Him before we reach our goal as well as when we reach it.
God gave Joseph a dream that took 22 years to fulfill.
God converted Paul in AD 34, but his first missionary journey wasn't until AD 47.
God has important work to do in us and through us before, during, and after each piece of the puzzle. We can glorify God while we're waiting as well as when we arrive. Let's cooperate with whatever He's doing in our lives.
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I love a good puzzle! I was awake through the night thinking of reasons why Jesus may have delayed His ministry until the approx. age of 30.
ReplyDeleteSometimes life just doesn't seem to make any sense...you're so right that He cares as much about the process as the goal.
Thanks for stopping by Mary @ Woman to Woman!
Blessings to you ~ Mary
The words of your post are so true...very good anology. Blessings
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say thanks for your "notes of encouragement." I enjoy reading them each day, and have shared some of them with others.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, and Merry Christmas!
Our pastor reminded us that Mary, the mother of Christ, didn't understand it all either. She "treasured these things and pondered them in her heart." It reminds me of the scripture that says it "is the glory of God to reveal a matter, but the glory of man to find it out." We are richer for having to mine (ponder) the truth and allow God to reveal it to us. The gratification that comes from instant understanding is shallow and short lived. The satisfaction of ferreting out a biblical concept is forever.
ReplyDeleteA timely post when we as a country are so sorrowful and in the dark these last few unimaginable days
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly the message I needed to hear today. Must have been the reason why circumstances prevented me from reading immediately upon you linking to the GRAND Social. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes to you and yours for a beautiful and blessed Christmas!
What a timely word for me!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this post.
Have a Blessed and Joyful Christmas,
Julie @ Hey Mommy, Chocolate Milk
It can be so frustrating to not get the answers you want when you want them, but it is so awesome to look back and see the pieces fall in place!
ReplyDeleteI have a "puzzle" framed on my wall with all the names of my #TeamDawn prayer warriors who are praying for me as I go through cancer treatment and anticipate stem cell transplant. I have often spoken of my struggles as a puzzle, so you know this post speaks to me, Gail. Reposting your article on Facebook, friend.
ReplyDeleteI love that idea, Dawn. And I pray God will give you comfort and healing. I'm so sorry you are having to go through this suffering.
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