Romans 8:11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.
My daughter loves puzzles. She loves to be able to do it herself. Sometimes I can join her, but even then, I get to watch, rather than put pieces in. There is joy in the process and she wants to feel it. Inevitably, she gets stuck. I offer to help and hear the age old, “I'll do it MYSELF!” I wait. Eventually, the pieces end up on the floor, and her frustration gets the best of her. Quietly I can pick up the pieces and help her finish. I let her put most of the pieces in, I just guide her. I place a piece near where it goes, or I subtly ask, “I wonder if this goes near the puppy?” We finish the puzzle and the tears are overwhelmed with triumph!
For me life is like a puzzle. There are so many pieces and I know that God has a plan for me somewhere, but I feel so ill equipped to do what he is calling me to do. I feel like I have so many ideas and so little talent. I want to do great things, but have an average amount of energy. It's easy to get discouraged.
However, when I remember that the Holy Spirit is living in me and helping me, I know that I do not need to draw on my own talents, but on the talents God has given me. I know that when my energy fails, the Spirit will bring me through the finish line. Ideas will pop in my head and a problem will be clearer. A peace will come over me and I feel like I can start again.
For example, I love to write. Writing about God's powerful presence in my life is like a dream. However, there are days when I feel as far from God as humanly possible. The gap between us is insurmountable by my human means. If I remember to pray however, I suddenly feel the gap narrow. Then if I sit down to write, I find the words flow from my fingers, like God is picking up the pieces with invisible hands. That's the Holy Spirit encouraging and helping me.
How amazing that God would chose to live in me, to help me and to grow me. How amazing that he hasn't left, despite the many times I ignored his voice in my head. When I sit down to think about it, I am amazed. I often think of the wisdom and grace of God. It's hard to ignore his power and majesty. I think I often forget about his patience. The Holy Spirit to me, is a beautiful picture of God's unending patience. He is perfectly willing to fill our hearts and guide us. He doesn't leave when we ignore him, he doesn't take control of us when we make mistakes. He just patiently waits until we are ready, then he picks up the pieces and we start again together.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit in my life. Thank you for the puzzle of life and for the help in completing it. Help me to remember that the gap between us does not have to be there, for your spirit lives in me. Help me to hear your voice and respond. Help me to fit the pieces of the puzzle together so that I may have the joy that comes with completion.
Amen.
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