When I was a young child, I remember being given a sheet of paper with numbered dots. I would draw a line from the smallest number to the next larger number continuing until I ended up with an outline of a picture. Sometimes, I feel like one of those disconnected dots. I rarely see how anything in my daily life connects to God’s greater purposes. Although I often cannot comprehend it, that does not mean there is not a bigger picture.

Our lives are similar to pieces of tile in the mosaic. God places us together to tell His story.  The red tile above is from the center of the flower which by itself is merely a broken, red tile but placed alongside the other tiles, an image becomes clear. As an introvert, I thrive in my time alone, yet too much solitary time prevents me from experiencing how my little piece, while small, interconnects to others. When I spend time with God’s children- hearing their stories and observing their spiritual gifts, I appreciate how each individual piece, including my own,  is a significant part of God’s intricate design.

God knows the picture He is creating, and that is what matters. Even when I am unable to recognize my purpose, Our Almighty and Sovereign Lord continues to fulfill His. We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. As God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. 2 Corinthians 4:14-15

“It is with the smallest brushes that the artist paints the most exquisitely beautiful pictures.”– St. André Bessette

Your adversary lurks like a prowling lion waiting for someone he can destroy – 1 Peter 5

Last week we were on vacation. It was beautiful time away at the beach with one exception. We agreed to listen to a time share presentation in order to receive a $100 gift card. We have participated in similar spiels over the years, but each time I come away thinking how similar the tactics of the selling agent and the strategies of Satan.

The agent finds out what you want and tailors the package to what you desire. He is well-trained to sell by creating a false need for something that is not necessary or even good for me, making me believe I should prioritize this goal. He points out all the benefits and hardly, if at all, mentions the steep costs. He glosses over any objections, keeps at continually repeating the need to act quickly, wearing me down, maiming me by confusion and doubts.  At this point, I want out and become susceptible to saying yes just to escape. Before I realize it, I am suckered into something that in the long run will be very costly to my well-being, finances or relationships.

He may speak half-truths in such a convincing manner that I accept everything he is saying hook, line and sinker. His lies are clever, entwined with logical, sensible statements. If I am not on guard, I am duped. (As an aside – I realize if I cloak my language in half-truths by only disclosing what is in my best interest, I am like the enemy. Yikes!)

While the end game of a time share agent is to sell me a vacation package to further his own financial gain, the enemy of our souls has a much more destructive agenda. He wants to extinguish the light of God in us.

Knowing this, I still fall prey to my adversary’s deceit.  But more and more often, I am able to detect and resist his traps. I am an overcomer because I stand strong in the Lord and in strength of His might.