I have to admit that I have never participated in putting one of those thousand piece puzzles together. The thought of it alone hurts my head. Where do you even start? You know what the end result should look like, but there before you lies a pile of pieces that quite frankly, look the same. Only when you start fitting it together do you realize how different the components are. And yet, they will ultimately form this picture that prompted you to buy the puzzle in the first place. This is how it is with God. He knows what the picture should and will look like in the end. He sees all of the potential and necessity in every single piece. He’s not intimidated by the task. He bought us for a purpose. We are His creation and belong to Him. 

So for those of you that do attempt those puzzles, you know how exciting it is to get that first match. Now you’re on your way. You don’t just have a few “limbs” to work with. You have double. Things can go in any direction. In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! (‭Luke‬ ‭15‬:‭7‬ NLT) There is literally a celebration over each person linking into the puzzle/family of God. God knows that the possibilities are endless. The sphere of influence this person has will bring more of the pieces together. We all have our own directions we go and there’s people along the way looking to fit in. They’re looking for purpose. They will only find it in the family of God. But somebody has to connect with them. We all are equipped differently but for the same task. There’s people out there that are precious to the Lord that only you can reach. And you never know who it might be. God may direct you to go to a different grocery store than usual just to have a supernatural encounter. This is why it’s so vitally important to stay prayed up at all times. We have to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit about what to do, where to go and who to engage with. He may prompt you to send a text or make a phone call. Who knows?  

People are God’s greatest treasure. I don’t think we have the ability to quite understand how important each individual actually is. We tend to get wrapped up in our own circles. We sometimes forget that the love of Christ is drawing people to Himself. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is (‭Ephesians‬ ‭3‬:‭18‬ NLT). He wants His creation with Him. He wants to pluck us from the grasp of the world and put us in the safety of Himself where we belong. He wants to take care of us and nurture us. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus (‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭19‬ NLT). Did you ever think about yourself as being God’s “riches”? Yes, He owns everything but we are His greatest riches. We see riches as a monetary means. And it certainly is that as well. But God is not impressed by or limited to the world’s standards. His children are His riches and He wants to use us to bless others on His behalf. He sends us to people and sends others to us to meet so many needs. In this way, He develops the family He desires. And we get the excitement of being part of His wonderful works. I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels (‭Isaiah‬ ‭61‬:‭10‬ NLT). This is exciting news! He has adorned us with righteousness! We have right-standing with Him because of His love and more than likely His ability to have sent someone to proclaim this good news to you. Pay it forward! This is the very best thing you can ever do for someone. People need to know they’re wanted and created for divine purposes. 

The Lord is definitely calling all of us to step out of our comfort zones and be lights in this dark world. The world is becoming darker every day. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭9‬:‭36-38‬ NLT) This is a heartfelt plea. Jesus had and still has compassion on the confused and helpless. This should make us look for opportunities to help others. The great puzzle of life cannot be completed without your contribution. If the only thing Jesus wanted for you was to have your residence in Heaven, He would have taken you there immediately when you made Him Lord. That is not all He wants. He has you here for an assignment. Ask Him what your part of this great puzzle is. All of Heaven will cheer you on!

Today’s guest writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.