Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are
your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways
higher than your ways
and my thoughts
than your thoughts.
Jigsaw puzzles aren't my forte. Trying to arrange 500
small pieces of cardboard into what it originally was isn't my idea of a fun
day. My wife can sit for hours poring over the tiny pieces until they completed
the project. Assembling the border is typically easy, but finding the missing
pieces that make up the center can be challenging.
Paul was thrilled the believers in Thessalonica were
growing in their relationship with Christ, but he knew there were more pieces
of their faith puzzle to assemble. "Night and day we pray most earnestly
that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith" (I
Thessalonians 3:10).
Going through the motions of religious traditions can
disguise the missing pieces of our spiritual journey. A rich young ruler once
approached Jesus asking what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus rattled
off a few of the commandments. He claimed to have obeyed them but still felt
something was missing. Jesus told him to sell everything he had. His wealth
wasn't wrong; it simply disguised the missing piece of his faith journey.
Nurturing our relationship with Jesus Christ is the
missing piece. Having the relationship isn't all God wants for us. Like Paul,
he wants our faith to grow so we can enjoy "on cloud nine" living.
When we nurture our relationship through consistent prayer, Bible study,
sharing our faith and spending time with other believers, the pressures and
frustrations of life won't get us down. Rather, we'll rise to the top and soar
through and above difficulties. Where's the missing piece in your faith puzzle?
Dear Lord, show us what's missing in our puzzle of faith
today. Help us seek Your word that we may complete the puzzle and be a shining
example to those around us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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