Puzzling But Possible

Today’s message was written by my friend, Rev. Eric Wogen.

My wife enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles. So do I, but I try to stay out of the way when my presence is obviously not her preference. Assembling a 1000-piece puzzle can be quite an undertaking, but never, not once, has she not completed a puzzle she started. Her persistence regularly results in beautiful scenes emerging from a box of random, strangely shaped pieces.

There may be moments when our lives seem like a huge puzzle, a puzzle that is tough to get together, a puzzle that confuses and confounds us, a puzzle that defies us to make sense of present circumstances. Sometimes, the puzzle pieces of our lives may appear to be from different boxes. Other times, we may sense that key pieces are missing, gone, no longer there. Once in a while, unexpected pieces rudely appear, compliments of unwanted realities, undeserved intrusions or uncaring persons. What was already challenging becomes even more so.

For me, God’s word has a lot to offer, a message I find to be most encouraging and helpful when the puzzle pieces of life just don’t seem to fit together. I predictably discover that needed message in words like these and many others: 

   God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

   We are often afflicted in every way but not crushed; perplexed but not driven to despair. (2 Corinthians 4:8)

   I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

To be honest, uplifting words like these and, many more, continue to speak a reassuring message I need to hear even after life’s present puzzle has been conquered. May the same be true for you, friends of Dial Hope.

Let us pray: Gracious God, you have promised to be our companion and guide, a source of strength and support as we cope with whatever life brings our way. Thanks for being with us, always. In our Lord’s name, we pray. Amen.