Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and shun evil (Proverbs 3:7 NKJV).

My husband and I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles. As we work, we find ourselves frequently referring to the picture on the lid. We’ve found that our task is much easier if we keep focused on the finished product.

Over the past several years as I counseled many unique individuals, I began to realize that counseling is a great deal like doing jigsaw puzzles. People’s lives are often broken into many pieces, and my role has been to help them put the pieces together again. However, I quickly discovered that in this situation, only God has access to the picture on the lid—He alone knows what He is creating.

This insight helped me see how imperative it is that we rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than “leaning on our own understanding” as we give counsel. Our own idea of how to “fix” the situation may fall far short of God’s greater purpose. If we allow God to be the final authority for what each person’s pathway to wholeness will include, we can be sure that His creative process will not be hindered.

Father, help us approach our task as “wounded healers” with great humility and dependence on you. Help us remember that no two “box lids” are exactly alike. Amen

The featured picture is of a puzzle Donn had made for me of treasured items for my birthday.

(Devotional adapted from Homespun Faith, Reflections from the Seasons of Life, copyright 2014 Daisy Beiler Townsend. Available as paperback or ebook: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Xulon Press. There are Links on this website on the Where to Buy Homespun Faith and Sarah’s Legacy page.  Locally at Fresh Grounds, M & M Grocery, Penn Alps in Grantsville, Maryland, or from me 724-373-8445.)