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It All Fits Together
Read: Romans 8:28
 This past Christmas, my husband received a book of number puzzles from Santa. He politely looked at it, worked a few puzzles, and set it aside. Since then I have been gradually feeding a minor passion. At first, I didn’t expect this leisure pursuit to be so consuming, but now, when I’m not working, I’m thinking–and yes, at times, obsessing–about my new infatuation, Sudoku.
In case you have no idea what I’m talking about, Sudoku is a numbers puzzle based on groups of nine that, when done correctly, fit in with eight other groups of nine. The puzzle makers give you just enough clues to keep you from putting any ol’ numbers in any ol’ box. If you’ve never attempted to solve one of these puzzles, beware that it has the same effect as a powerful narcotic--or chocolate.
I was thinking about my new mania and why it has captivated me. I like the way it all fits together. If I apply my intelligence and use the clues to guide me, then eventually all of the numbers will fit together to present the only possible solution. It’s the antithesis of how life plays out. There is only one correct answer to every problem and no other solution with work. I love it!
So many times I try to apply the same intelligence and focus to problems in the world, convinced that if I just spend enough time, the answers will fit together in a neat and absolute fashion. Oh, how I wish that were true. I wish life had predictable fixed outcomes with clues along the way. What I don’t like to admit is that regardless of my sensitivity and intellect, life’s quandaries are unpredictable.
I am reminded in Romans 8:28 “that in everything God works for good.” That clue alone points to the fact that ultimately faith plays a role in all areas of our lives. While the outcome is not neat and predictable, it will prove to be something much greater: it will be good. The nebulous cloud of sacrifice and grace that we allow to fill our souls is actually acting as the agent God uses for the good, and for that I am humbled.
My passion for Sudoku puzzles will soon pass, as do most fads, but what I will continue to struggle with is allowing God to take more control of situations and be more accepting of outcomes that are not always so nice and neat.
Prayer: God, thank you for the clues you give us in your Word. As we seek to fit into your master design, strengthen our faith. Amen.
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Becca Zeiler Giffin
Program Director
First Baptist Church
Loveland, CO
Contact Becca at
rez40@aol.com
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Read past thoughts
- January 09, 2006
- January 16, 2006
- January 23, 2006
- January 30, 2006
- February 6, 2006
- February 13, 2006
- February 20, 2006
- February 27, 2006
- March 6, 2006
- March 13, 2006
- March 20, 2006
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