I like a logical faith with no missing pieces. I want clear obvious answers without any ambiguity. I want to know the why for every circumstance. Let’s face it, neither faith nor life work that way.
One of my favorite winter activities is putting together a puzzle. I prefer 1000 piece puzzle. They are challenging without taking too terribly long. Puzzles are rotated among family members. We often look at second hand stores for the next challenge.
My most recent find was a waterfall. I separated out the edge pieces and began sorting out additional like pieces. The frame of the picture was coming together nicely. I had spent several hours working on edges only to discover there were at least three missing pieces. Frustrated, I struggled with what to do next. Do I finish it with what I have? Do I through it away? Do I offer it to others letting them know pieces are missing?
As it can be with faith, I was left with many questions and no clear answers.
1-2 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd. 3 By faith, we see the world called into existence by God’s word, what we see created by what we don’t see. (Hebrews 1:1-3 MSG).
I ended up throwing away the puzzle. I assumed others would also be frustrated by missing pieces and not want to put it together. Yet with faith, I continue on with the ambiguity. I am willing to hold a variety of pieces that point clearly to God while not having all the answers. I am willing to trust my foundation of teachings and experience. My need to reason keeps me digging for deeper understanding. Yet, while some aspects of my faith have shifted in understanding the foundation stays true and strong. God is love. Jesus brings grace, mercy and forgiveness.
How is your foundation? Are you searching for answers? Are you willing to trust what is unchanging while trying to reason for answers to difficult questions? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.