The Pieces Will Fit!

I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word. — Psalm 119:15–16

When I was little, my grandmother entertained me by opening a box containing hundreds of little funny-shaped pieces of cardboard. A jigsaw puzzle! Putting them together seemed impossible until my grandmother said, “Anne, make sure the color pictures on the puzzle pieces are facing up.”

Then I’d look at the cover of the box and try to put the pieces together to match the picture.

In some ways, the Bible is like that jigsaw puzzle. It can seem like bits and pieces with no meaning in themselves. That’s why we need the Holy Spirit. When Jesus was walking with His disciples, He

explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself. — Luke 24:27

And in John 16:13, Jesus said the Holy Spirit would “guide you into all truth.”

He turns over the puzzle pieces one by one — until they come together and we see Jesus!

As you read your Bible, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. The pieces will fit together!

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Ask Your Questions

I trust in Your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in Your salvation. — Psalm 13:5

Jesus is never offended by your confusion — or your questions. He knows exactly what you’re feeling, and He takes the initiative to help you understand. You simply have to trust Him to know best.

For most of us, that’s never easy! You have to trust His silences, respect His mysteries, and wait for His answers. Trust Jesus each and every time, in every situation:

When you pray for the healing of someone you love, and she dies. When you pray for reconciliation, and you’re handed divorce papers. When you pray for a promotion, and you get laid off.

Trust Him.

We serve a sovereign, living Lord, whose ways are not our ways. Be patient.

Trust Him to know best!

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The Sword of the Spirit

Jesus said to him, “Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.’” — Matthew 4:10

The Word of God is called the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17). It’s your primary offensive weapon against Satan and his minions.

Each time Jesus was attacked by Satan, He countered with, “It is written,” or “It is also written,” or “For it is written” (Matthew 4). If Jesus used the sword — His Word — as a necessary weapon to defeat the enemy, why do we think we can do without it?

Where is your sword? Is it ready on your mind and in your heart? Or is it tucked away, dusty and unused? Jesus Christ wielded His sword to effectively and victoriously counter every thrust of the enemy. If you follow His example, empowered by His Spirit, you, too, can win this battle!

The Bible says,

The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. — 1 John 4:4

You’re promised victory in Jesus Christ. So ... pick up your sword!

Excerpted with permission from Fixing My Eyes on Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz, copyright Anne Graham Lotz.

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Your Turn

It's ok if you're confused. Ask your questions and trust that He knows what is best for your life and those you love! Get into the Word today and be refueled. Come share your thoughts with us! ~ Devotionals Daily