“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV)
As a child, I had enough vision to enjoy those connect-the-dot books. What started as a scattered mess of dots became a recognizable picture when I finished. If a child can create a picture out of squiggles, dots, and numbers, imagine the masterpiece God creates when He connects the dots in our lives.
Iva’s second birthday was a cause for celebration. Twelve friends from church crowded into our small home on that unusually warm February night. Most had never attended a birthday party for a dog, but Iva is no ordinary dog. We served appetizers, pizza, and both human and puppy cakes.
Iva paraded around making sure each person admired her tiara. Everyone enjoyed Iva’s comical way of ripping into her gift bags and wrapping paper. After I cleaned up all the paper, Iva placed her toys in a circle and eventually collapsed in the middle. All partied out!
The occasion was more than a birthday party. We recognized the Lord’s hand in everything. God had prepared a little black Lab puppy for a life as a guide dog before I ever seriously considered getting a dog to help me navigate.
Iva’s journey began at birth, but my journey began during an afternoon walk that turned frightening. Our neighborhood streets aren’t busy, but they lack sidewalks. Using my white cane, I had lost track of the curb while getting around a couple parked cars. Unable to locate anything but asphalt, I was lost in my own neighborhood. God brought me safely home, but along the way, my self-confidence plummeted. Even worse, I lost some faith in God. That fearful event put me on the road to a guide dog.
At Iva’s party we chatted, connecting the dots between getting lost, trusting God to overcome my fears of flying to New York alone to train with Iva, and especially all the prayers that bombarded heaven on our behalf. Yes, we celebrated God and His masterpiece that night. God matched me with my best friend, and I can’t imagine living without her.
Dear friend, perhaps you can’t make sense of what’s happening in your life today. Maybe it looks like a mess of dots and lines that appear senseless. I know how difficult the waiting can be, but patiently trust God. He is working even when it appears as if He has forgotten you. He is creating a piece of art out of your crushed hopes and dreams. God has a special plan and purpose for each one of His children.
God creates masterpieces out of messes.
If you still feel disconnected, hold on, because rare art takes time. One day, you will survey your life and celebrate the wonderful masterpiece God has made from your brokenness, shortcomings and fears. Born out of prayer. Praise God, the Master of the Masterpiece.
Heavenly Father, You looked at Your creation and saw that it was good. I see the goodness You have created in my own life. I may see a mess currently, but I know it’s another masterpiece in progress. I trust the hand of the Potter. Amen.
If you enjoyed today’s devotional, you will love our women’s Bible study starting today with this excerpt from my new book, Walking by Faith, Not Sight: 30 Inspirational Moments with Iva
Please join our ladies Facebook group for the study here.
Originally posted on May 3, 2021 @ 3:15 am