Piecing a Masterpiece

The irony of it was amusing…I was ironing fabric that I was about to cut into small squares, so I could sew them back together to make a quilt. On the one hand it didn’t make sense to cut something smaller and then sew it back together to make something bigger.

Yet by taking those smaller pieces and sewing them together in a specific pattern, the end result would create a beautifully patterned quilt that the raw materials couldn’t have produced without the extra steps.

How often is our spiritual journey like that? God requires steps we don’t understand, and we attempt to tell Him our way is faster, easier and more efficient. However, God sees the finished work and what needs to be accomplished while we only see the current process that takes too long, is uncomfortable, or … [fill in the blank]. Just as in quilting, I need to trust the person who holds the pattern – the person who sees the big picture and not just the individual pieces.

Psalm 37:23-24 is a great reminder for us, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.” This promise helps us trust our Creator who knows better than we do how to piece together a masterpiece worthy of His glory. I am comforted by the assurance that I won't be hurled headlong.

On days where we are unsure what to do next, we should follow Proverbs 3:6-7, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” This clearly leaves God in the driver’s seat. For that we ought to be thankful. His vision, purpose and ways are so much better than ours.

For those who do trust God in each step, there is a promise from Proverbs 4:11-12, “I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble.” Did you catch that? If you walk His way, obstacles are moved! That’s quite a promise and not something the world can give. Whatever journey you currently traverse, walk in that promise.

Take a few minutes today to mediate on these promises and trust God for wherever you are. He is working a masterpiece in your life. Trust His steps, His pattern. Don’t try to reorganize His plan for your life. With Him holding the pattern, you will one day step back in amazement at what He has done. You are a masterpiece in the making.