Missing Puzzle Pieces ~ Part 1

Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

It’s that time again, time to reflect back and remember what God is doing in our lives!  How was God faithful to you?  Did you see God answer prayer for you?  Did you see God give you strength when you thought you couldn’t possibly go any further?  Were you simply amazed by the beauty of God in creation?  I would love to hear how God has been faithful to you.

God’s faithfulness has been evident to me once again this last week in many ways.  The one thing that God seemed to be working on the most was how I see things.  I was convicted this last week about my perception of reality.  I’ve been looking at all the facts in my life and honestly they don’t line up in some areas.  I keep trying to put the pieces together, but they just don’t fit.  My life feels like a puzzle at times and quite frankly I’m always missing the important pieces!  Well, that’s what I keep telling God anyways.  Do you ever feel like that?  Do you ever feel like you can’t get the puzzle of your life together?  Is there always one piece missing?

I’ve been reading Genesis and the story of Joseph seems to look a little like this too.  Joseph’s life appears to be missing some puzzle pieces.  Let’s take a peak at Joseph’s life…

1.  Life started out good for Joseph.  He was loved dearly by his dad and well taken care of.  ~Genesis 37:3

2. Joseph was given dreams that one day his brothers would bow down to him.  The brothers were unhappy with this news and the favoritism showed towards their brother.  ~Genesis 37:4-11

3. Joseph’s brothers sold him to the Midianite merchants passing by.  ~Genesis 37:28

Life isn’t making too much sense right now.  Joseph had a good life with his father.  He was loved and his dreams pointed to something a lot different than the experience he was starting to face.  Many puzzle pieces are missing!

4. Joseph was sold to Potiphar.  One of Pharoah’s officials, the captain of the guard.  ~Genesis 37:36

5. Joseph was put in charge of Potiphar’s household.  Potiphar saw how the Lord gave Joseph success, so he entrusted Joseph with everything he owned.  ~Genesis 37:1-6

Things are looking up for Joseph.  Maybe life won’t be so bad away from his brothers!

6. Joseph just can’t get away from trouble.  Potiphar’s wife accuses Joseph of trying to sleep with her.  Joseph had withstood the temptation day in and day out.  Yet, Potiphar’s wife found a way to create trouble.  Joseph is sent to prison.  ~Genesis 39:7-20

The puzzle pieces are still missing.  Life is in chaos once again or so it would seem!  Is this picture starting to look familiar in your life?

7. Joseph was granted favor in the prison.  The prison warden could see that the Lord was with him, so he showed him kindness.  Joseph was put in charge of all that was done in the prison.  ~Genesis 39:20-23

8. Joseph has an opportunity to interpret the dreams of the Cupbearer and the Baker.  He asks them both to remember him when they go before Pharaoh.  Unfortunately, they both forget about him.  ~Genesis 40:1-23

The thing that you will consistently see through Joseph’s life is his response to the circumstances he is in.  He never gives up, he never pouts, sulks, or lingers in his disaster.  He continues to live for the Lord.  Whether he is in charge of the greatest moment or the least moment.  Here is what you will continually see,

“…the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.” (Genesis 39:23)

Joseph had been sold into slavery, he had been accused of something he never did, he was thrown in prison, and forgotten about.  Yeah, I would say there were some puzzle pieces missing in his life!  But he continued to live for the Lord and God continued to give him great success.  Tomorrow let’s explore Joseph’s response to the missing pieces of his puzzle!  Let’s see what the rest of Joseph’s story looks like!  How will you respond to the missing pieces in your life?  Will you allow God to paint a beautiful picture with your life?

Challenge: Read Genesis 37, 39-40

Memory Verse: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Dear Father God, I have to admit more times than not, my life doesn’t make sense.  There are a lot of puzzle pieces missing and I can’t seem to find them.  You must be hiding them from me!  I’m learning that the bigger picture is worth waiting for and every puzzle piece is part of that picture.  I’ll wait with joy knowing that You have something beautiful in mind for my life.  I surrender to You and Your goodness!

I Surrender ALL of My Puzzle Pieces to You Lord!