Fitting into God’s Puzzle?

Studying the Bible has taught me to think in big picture terms more than my normal way of getting caught up in details. One definition says that big-picture thinkers focus on overarching goals, vision, and strategy (the "what" and "why"), often being creative and visionary but potentially missing details while detail-oriented individuals focus on specifics, accuracy, and tasks (the "how"), excelling at execution but risking tunnel vision. 

Both are crucial for success, with big-picture people setting direction and detail-oriented people ensuring flawless implementation. I’m noticing that seeing the big picture is helpful. I’ve a tendency to think that knowing truth is enough (without applying it) yet seeing the will of God that goes with that truth makes application a stronger focus.

Paul’s NT books are written with the big picture first, then the details of applying it. Ephesians  is a good example. It begins with God’s major plan:

In (Christ) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (Ephesians 1:7–10)

In planning to unite all things in Christ, God saves sinners with the purpose of revealing His glory:

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:11–14)

Then He tells how sinners giving Him glory will happen. He will give His people the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation to know Him, and to know what will happen to us. He wants us to realize the riches of our glorious inheritance, and the greatness of His power, which is revealed by raising Christ from the dead, by seating Him in heavenly places, and putting all things under his feet as He made Him head over all things including the church which is His body, a group who were dead in sin but made alive in Christ. We are saved by grace and fitted to do His will — which will reveal His power and glory.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8–10)

This vast plan includes details. One is that all who believe will have access in one Spirit to the Father. We will be united as members of His household and built on the truth He reveals using us as a dwelling place for Himself so that His wisdom is made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 3:9–10)

This is awesome. Church is not a social club nor a moral hideaway, but God’s way of making Himself known to a dark world. He does it by loving us so we can love others. He tells us to walk in a manner worthy of this calling with humility, gentleness, patience, and love — so we maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. He wants us to live in that oneness, yet also recognize our diversity as our differences give us varying tasks toward revealing His glory.
 
Unity is vital. God is not a mess of parts with opposition happening. As His Body, we are to work in harmony and do it by putting off our old self, which belongs to our former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed by putting on the new self, which is according to His likeness. That means we behave to fit the plan, refusing to allow bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander or malice be part of our lives. Instead, He says “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:30–32) In attending to these details, we fit the big picture plan of God. 

PRAY: Jesus, getting too caught up in details can mean excusing the “oops” that I make as not vital, but the vision of a puzzle with pieces missing just popped into my head. You are a God of order and detail, yet You also have a magnificent plan for this world You made and everything I say or do either fits that plan or not. Enable me to think of Your goals and not let my plans or my interest in details distract me and become pieces that do not fit.

Remembering what I have, not moping about what I don’t have

When negative things happen and my mind turns inward, I need to read passages from God’s Word like this one:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. (Ephesians 1:3–6)

The entire first chapter of Ephesians is rich with what God has done for me. These verses give an overview that turns my attention to blessing God for what I have instead of feeling sorry for myself for what is missing.

They also remind me that I have all spiritual blessings in the heavenly realm. Life is not perfect here, but in the imperfections and trials of life, God’s goal is to bring me to the holiness and blamelessness that He says I already have! In other words, becoming a Christian is like being drafted into the army; I am a soldier, but from day one, it has been boot camp. I have to learn how to think and act like what I already am, and remember that He is able to use all things, even the negative things, to bring me to maturity.

This passage also reminds me that God selected me to be His adopted child before He even created the world. In His mind, I was His from the very beginning. He did this that I might bring praise to Him and declare the wonder of His grace. No matter what happens to me, this isn’t about me. God is good and I am to declare it.

The next part of chapter one is also rich. It gives more detail of what God has done and who I am in His Son.

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:7–14)

I am redeemed and forgiven. Sin is no longer separating me from God or from eternal life. This is a done deal. God’s purpose is to use what He has done and is doing to unite me to Christ and bring Him glory. Sin and self-pity do not do that.

Reassurance is repeated in the last couple of verses. My salvation and future with God in eternity were sealed by the Holy Spirit. This sealing is described in the same terms as a legal document is sealed with wax and verified with the guarantor’s stamp. Instead of wax, God pooled the blood of Christ over the promises He made to my soul, then marked it with His own Spirit who lives in me — so that I would know that I belong to Him forever. This seal affirms that what He said He would do, will be done. I do not have possession of my inheritance yet, but it is guaranteed by God Himself and I can praise Him for that.

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Father God who knows all things, I’m glad You use the trials of life to produce purity in me. Keep my focus on You and Your glory. Make all negative things fade in their ability to turn my heart inward. Instead, use them to mark me with grace. I want to be like Jesus, not scarred with self-pity. Help me keep my eyes on You and what You have done, not look at the hurtful doings of people around me. I want to abide in You and glorify You. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can do that today.