Patchwork Quilt

In the busyness of your life do you ever stop to think about the big picture? I’m guilty of getting caught up in my “world” and forgetting that God’s perfect plan includes a lot more than me and my world. When the stress of life is closing in I have to remember that God works good for all who love him and that his ways are higher than mine.  

In times of great struggle in my life and in my self pity, I sometimes envision myself as a square piece of cloth laying off to the side of the sewing machine amongst a heap of other square pieces of cloth. I feel discarded, and wonder if God sees me in the pile. I wonder what my purpose is. If I am really having a bad day, I might go on to compare myself to the other pieces laying there. I admire their beauty, their straight edges, their intricate design. As I compare myself, my insecurities arise and I wonder about my place within the framework of that beautiful quilt.

I envision the seamstress delicately laying out each piece of cloth to stitch them together.  She reaches for my tattered, faded piece and sews it into the quilt. I take a few minutes to look at the pieces that are attached to all four sides. It begins to dawn on me that that quilt looks like my life. 

Relationships delicately interwoven. Some sewn with bright colored yarn other parts sewn with dull, dark yarn. Every stitch, every relationship serving a purpose. I can only see the pieces interlacing my piece of the quilt.  As life unfolds and challenges and heartache enter our life, we wonder “why me God?” What is my purpose?”

We forget that God sees the entire quilt. The completed masterpiece. He sees you laying in the heap wondering if you will survive. He sees your grief, your struggle. He knows every piece of the quilt intimately. Just like the seamstress His hand has touched every piece and just like the seamstress your piece and my piece have been strategically placed within the quilt to fit God’s perfect plan. Each piece, each one of us, uniquely and wonderful made in the image of God for His pleasure and His purpose. 

Oh how I want His perfect plan to be focused on my piece of cloth and it’s interwoven pieces. I personally would prefer not to experience the muck and mire this world offers. Wouldn’t it be nice if every relationship stitched into our life only wanted what is best for us?  As we struggle to understand “why God”, I encourage you to remember that God is in control and that the struggles we face, can and will be used for God’s ultimate perfect plan for our lives. He loves us. Just like Joseph he will use all the good and bad relationships and struggles in your life for good. He will use your pain and hurt for his glory. “ He works all things for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

I’m sure Joseph would have preferred not to be thrown into a cistern, betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. Imagine the depth of hurt and pain their betrayal cause Joseph. The fear that must have overwhelmed him as he looked at his life and future. The people closest to him. Betrayal spawned from hatred, jealousy and greed. God used those betrayals, relationships and hurt to ultimately bless Joseph, his family and the people of Egypt. “The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered.” Genesis 39:2. 

Although I am sure Joseph experienced many moments of asking “why me God?, he trusted God’s perfect plan. When reunited with his brothers he said “do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”  Genesis 45:5. Pieces of the quilt restored, restitched to expanded the quilts coverage and reveal more of its tapestry. 

We must remember that there is no relationship good or bad, nor is there a circumstance in your life that can thwart the plan God has for your life. “His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.”  “ he does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: what have you done”. Daniel 4:34-35. 

God sees your piece of the quilt. He loves you and knows you intimately. He sees the completed quilt and has the ability to redesign the quilt. “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.” Genesis 50:20. “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 21:11 “Behold I am making all things new.” Revelation 21:5. 

The absolute comfort in the truth of God’s word and promises. The one thing we can hold onto when we feel like that piece of cloth laying next to the sewing machine. When you are feeling discarded and wondering if God sees you and hears your cries. When you question your purpose or struggle in relationships. Our sovereign God. The maker of heaven and earth. The quilt designer and seamstress of our life when we surrender. You are a beautiful, intricate piece of God’s plan. The quilt of life. 

Lord as we walk through difficult relationships and times of self doubt help us remember that you are in control.  That you see all of those relationships, good and bad.  You see our struggles and insecurities.  Remind us that our worth is in You and that your plans are to prosper us, not harm us.  Thank you God for relationships that encourage us and help us grow in you.  Protect us from relationships that mean us harm and help us to love in spite of them.  In Jesus Name. 

Roman 8:28

Genesis 39:2

Genesis 45:5

Daniel 4:34-35

Genesis 50:20

Revelation 21:5

#embracingthemess