I've never been challenged by
one. Annoyed is more like it.
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. But I've known people who could sit for hours pouring 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 ecstatic 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?
Prayer: Merciful Father, show us what's missing in our
puzzle of faith.
Martin Wiles
Hodges,
South Carolina, USA
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.