I had no idea that there is much conterversy in the Jig Saw Puzzle world.
The purist don't like to use the box picture as a guide. Others say the best way to complete the puzzle is to group all like colors, finish the colors then do the edges. Others say find and complete the edges, then move to the colors.
Using a puzzle as an illustration for finding our fit, next steps in God's big plan, works. It makes sense. We don't often see the big picture all the time. Nor doe we realize the importance of finding our personal fit in God's wider picture.
Ever attempted to put together a puzzle only to find out a piece is missing?
Our place, in the grand scheme of things, really is important. What we have received: gifts, talents, abilities, insight, as an investment from God into our lives needs to be cherished and expressed. Some think about calling, or fitting into God's great plan begins at a high level, and available only for the few... I believe small steps forward opens the door of destiny for many.
Here are some steps to help as you develop your picture:
Select your work area:
You may have to make a decision to take a step forward. You may have to chose to change jobs, continue your education, change church, or change location.
Turn all pieces face up and at the same time,
Take time to notice your passion, strengths, gifts, desires and abilities. What really gets your fire burning? Begin where you are with what you have.
Select Edge Pieces.
This gives you an invaluable starting point for your progress. I suggest the edges are: God's Word, God's Spirit, God's People and God's Purpose. There is safety when you interact with the edges as you seek to develop your personal connection to Jesus and His will for your life.
Arrange pieces into color groups into the inner area of the puzzle where it seems obvious to be placed guided by the finished picture.
Zoom out and discern where you fit in the big picture. Where is your place? Who are those you'd like to serve with or work with. Your color group may be outreach, or admin, or womens' ministry, first impressions etc. How are you wired? Does the church you attend fit?
By the way it's not just in 'church'. It's your passion and fit that matters. What do you enjoy doing? If you only had one shot to make a difference with your life what would you do? Some find their fit nurturing their family, being a good dad or mom or their occupation, or being a coach etc.
As you progress with the compilation of the puzzle you will get to the stage whereby you can see the end of the project.
As you develop your awareness and interaction with God's plan for your life, you begin to develop and flow in your strengths and begin to flurish in the place where you fit.
It's interesting that sometimes it takes years for people to realize their destiny. God's timing is a lot different than ours. God's time frame is usually now, and later. The now and the not yet. Our faithfulness in our now, prepares us for the not yet.
Continue on until you complete the puzzle.
Finish well. In the midst of our pursuit of God's will for our lives there are times when we will become disappointed, and frustrated. Continuing is imperative. Forward movement is essential.
Destiny is connected to our decisions. What we chose to do and whom we chose to do life with is all important.
Recently, I saw a report of a lady who saw and heard of a need to help orphaned kids in Africa. She acted. Using her talents, abilities, gifting and passion she was able to influence others. Now a few years later there are hundreds of kids who are being cared for in a safe loving environment.
Her willingness to step out and begin was the moment when she began to find her fit and to seize her destiny.
Finding your fit is imperative if you are going to change your world. Why not take your next step into God's big plan what ever that step may be? You'll be glad you did.
The series Finding Your Fit Next Steps Into God's Big Plan can be heard for free at Dayton Vineyard.com
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