At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we’re passionate about our mission to “Be the change as Jesus has changed us.” Today, we’re exploring life’s most challenging puzzle – discovering true meaning and purpose through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Study (Loving and Knowing God)
Puzzle enthusiasts understand the frustration of a nearly completed masterpiece with one critical piece missing. Imagine spending hours carefully assembling a 1000-piece puzzle, meticulously placing each section – the border, the sky, the landscape – only to discover that the final, central piece is nowhere to be found. The entire picture remains incomplete, unsatisfying, and fundamentally unresolved.
This is precisely how many of us experience life. We compartmentalize our experiences, viewing them as disconnected fragments – childhood, education, career, relationships – believing we can make sense of them individually. But true understanding comes only when we recognize Jesus as the missing piece that makes everything meaningful.
Scripture Reflection: “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16, NIV)
This powerful verse reminds us that Jesus isn’t just a supplemental addition to our life’s puzzle – He is the central, defining piece through which everything finds its purpose and meaning.
Share (Knowing and Loving Others)
Many of us struggle with feeling fragmented, searching for connection and understanding. We try to find meaning through achievements, relationships, or personal goals. But these are merely temporary sections of a larger picture.
True wholeness comes when we recognize Jesus as the foundational piece that brings everything into focus. He doesn’t just complete the puzzle; He reveals the entire purpose of our existence.
Serve (Love in Action): Practical Steps to Integrate Jesus into Life’s Puzzle:
- Surrender compartmentalized thinking
- Seek Jesus as your central purpose
- Align daily decisions with His guidance
- Practice intentional reflection
- Share your journey of discovering purpose
Weekly Action Challenge:
- Spend 15 minutes daily reflecting on how Jesus connects your life’s experiences
- Journal moments where you see Jesus bringing meaning to seemingly disconnected events
- Share your insights with a trusted friend or small group
- Pray for clarity in understanding your life’s broader purpose
Conclusion and Prayer: Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging that without You, our lives remain an incomplete puzzle. Thank You for being the missing piece that brings clarity, purpose, and meaning.
Help us surrender our fragmented perspectives and embrace Your comprehensive vision for our lives. Transform our understanding, realign our priorities, and use us to demonstrate Your transformative love.
Guide us to see beyond individual life stages and recognize Your divine design. Enable us to be vessels of Your purpose, reflecting Your love in every aspect of our journey.
Amen.
