We are all pieces of God's puzzle.
Over the years my understanding of the Bible has changed dramatically. At first, I had a really hard time understanding how it all fit together. While in prison I received an intense hunger and desire to understand God, His Son Jesus Christ and the Bible. The following is what God showed me. What was revealed to me was the greatest love story I had ever heard.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
John 3:16
Let's use our recovery model as an example, comparing it to putting a puzzle together. Consider the following "stages" if you will.
Just like a puzzle starts with a box full of pieces, the quest begins with a collection of various aspects of yourSELF – your skills, knowledge, emotions, habits, and values. Positive and negative. These pieces may not seem connected or coherent at first. God will reveal them to you if you quiet yourself, ask His guidance, and wait for an answer.
The picture on the puzzle box represents your vision of recovery – the person you aspire to become. It's an idealized version of yourself. This vision guides your efforts and provides a sense of direction. (The image of God in us is not lost, just distorted, hence "recovery", getting something back). Let's lay a foundation and build on it from there.
Sorting out the edge pieces is akin to understanding specific, achievable principles/studies that will guide you on your quest to become recovered. These fundamental principles create a framework, just like the puzzle edges form the outline. They help define the boundaries and structure of your own recovery.
BIG PICTURE (God's Will and Purpose)
CREATION
FALL
REDEMPTION
RETURN
Connecting the edge pieces forms the foundation of the puzzle. Similarly, understanding establishes the foundation for sustained recovery. This might involve acquiring basic skills, developing self-discipline, or addressing fundamental aspects of your life.
Big, Small Picture (God's Will/Purpose VS. SELF Will/Purpose)
BROKENNESS
CONVICTION
CONFESSION
CLEANSING
AMENDS
PRAYER
OBEDIENCE
WORSHIP
ENDURING TEMPTATION
REACHING OUT TO OTHERS
QUIET TIME
DIVINE GUIDANCE
These principles are explained at length and in detail in our recovery booklets. (They are COMING SOON!)
Each section of the puzzle represents a specific biblical principle/teaching that influences every aspect of your Life. As you tackle challenges – be it praying, taking all thoughts captive to Christ, giving authentic worship, enduring temptations, or fostering a positive relationship with God and others – you complete sections of your personal recovery puzzle. "PUT OFF the old man and PUT ON the new man". After all we are New Creations in Christ when we accept Him into our lives.
Just as you may try different pieces in various places during the puzzle-solving process, becoming recovered involves a learning curve. You may encounter setbacks, but through trial and error, you refine your approach, learning from both successes and mistakes. Failures DO NOT define you! They are simply opportunities for new growth. Don't be discouraged.
When faced with difficulty, you refer back to the picture on the puzzle box to understand the bigger picture. In recovery, seeking guidance from God, His written Word, the Holy Spirit and the example of Jesus Himself helps align your actions with your long-term vision...becong like Jesus. Having a spiritual accountability partner/mentor will also help keep you on track.
Completing sections of the puzzle and reaching milestones in recovery are occasions for celebration. Acknowledge your achievements, no matter how big or how small, as they contribute to the overall picture of recovery from faith to faith and glory to glory. Rejoice, I say again...rejoice.
Just as finishing the puzzle doesn't mark the end but signifies a completed stage, recovery is an ongoing process. Embrace the idea of continuous improvement, setting new goals and refining your vision as you grow in grace and knowledge of the truth.
Finally, when the puzzle is complete, you see the whole picture. In the quest to become recovered, as you progress and grow, you experience a transformation. Your skills, mindset, and character align with God's purpose and plan for your life, reflecting a more fulfilled and developed version of what created you to be in the image of Christ.
By using the metaphor of putting a puzzle together, the concept of personal recovery becomes more tangible, illustrating the gradual, interconnected, and transforming nature of the journey towards freedom from addictions, life-controlling/self-destructive behaviors.
We are all pieces of God's puzzle.
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