Sorting the Pieces
Are you a puzzler? If you are, I bet you have a method for doing it. I like to sort the pieces first. I start with finding and grouping the edge pieces, then I begin combining like colors that hopefully go together in different areas of the overall picture. Once the pieces are sorted, I start putting together the edges, complete the outside, and then work in different sections, moving from one area to another when I get stumped where I’ve been working. As I’ve spent time in God’s presence these last several days, it’s felt like this is the process I’ve been in. I know the picture that’s coming together is the blueprint for the structure God is building in and through my life this year. I’ve been sorting the pieces of the puzzle He’s been unveiling – the things I know He’s been speaking, and then identifying the “groupings.” I’ve first needed to sit with Him and identify the things God is breathing on (highlighting) for this year, find like pieces, and then begin to put them together, watching as the picture unfolds before my eyes.
Something that continues to strike me is how detailed God has been throughout His Word when He’s given people instructions to follow – the ark, the temple, finding the gold in the mouth of the fish to pay their taxes, turning water to wine, and other countless examples. Why would He do any less with us?
To some, what I’m sorting through could look like goals and how to achieve them, but this is different. The process isn’t the same, and I believe that while the outcome will still be marked with success, it will be vastly different than achieving a goal. A structure will be erected. It will be built on the rock, it will be stable, it will have the capacity to expand, and it will last.
I have a lot of passions and things I love. I’ve lacked clarity of direction over the last year or so because it’s widespread and I haven’t been sure where to put my focus. Jesus, marriage, and family are never a question. Then there’s writing, farm life, healthy living, educating, speaking, business/entrepreneurship, pioneering new things...And those are just the headings without the subtopics like the prophetic, intercession, mentoring, coaching, podcasts, and more! These are all the darts I’ve been throwing at a distant, seemingly moving target, hoping some would hit the bullseye.
I’ve needed to sit and write down the details God has been speaking to me – dump them all out on paper like dumping the pieces of a puzzle on the table. Then, I’ve needed to sort them into like “piles” and figure out where those like pieces fit in the overall picture. This word, this instruction, or this idea He’s given me fit in this spot - this part of the plan for building out this particular “room” of the overall structure He’s building this year.
“Then the Lord answered me and said, ‘Write the vision and engrave it plainly on [clay] tablets so that the one who reads it will run. “For the vision is yet for the appointed [future] time it hurries toward the goal [of fulfillment]; it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait [patiently] for it, because it will certainly come; it will not delay.’” (Habakkuk 2:2-3)
Sit with the Lord. Do a brain dump on paper of all the things you’re passionate about. You might have a laundry list like I do. Ask Him what He’s breathing life into for this year. Some of it may be for a future time you need to wait for patiently (Hab. 2:3). What is He framing out for you in this part of the build – the structure being erected in 2025?
A word I have continued to hear, including in a personal word given to me by a friend, is to go back to the basics and make it simple.
Once you know what God wants to partner with you in building this year, ask Him for the simple, specific instructions to follow, and write them down. Do that for each area He’s speaking to you about.
Take your time – don’t rush this process. Continue to use this month to wait patiently in His presence. Sort the pieces of the puzzle. His blueprint will begin to emerge as you put those pieces together. With His detailed design before you, you’ll know the next steps to take.
Living for Him,
Andrea
P.S. Sometimes when I’m working on a puzzle, I need someone to have a fresh look at the pieces on the table because I’m stuck. They’re able to see what I can’t and help me get restarted after they’ve put a piece or two in place.
Need a fresh perspective on your pieces? Book some time on my calendar. I’d love to have a look with you and see if I can help!
P.S. Sometimes when I’m working on a puzzle, I need someone to have a fresh look at the pieces on the table because I’m stuck. They’re able to see what I can’t and help me get restarted after they’ve put a piece or two in place.
Need a fresh perspective on your pieces? Book some time on my calendar. I’d love to have a look with you and see if I can help!
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