The sound of her sobbing drew me into the room. I wondered out loud why she was weeping. Relief flooded my heart when she revealed the source of her sorrow a seemingly ruined puzzle in her book. It was a small matter to this adult, but it was no small matter to the sweet child of four years, Arianna, whose heart was broken.
When I tried to explain everyone makes mistakes, she simply shook her head. I suggested she forget about the seemingly ruined puzzle and work on another one. No dice! She wasn’t having any of it. Finally, we decided to work on the damaged puzzle together. We created something unique and beautiful out of something seriously flawed. Within minutes, Arianna was singing, dancing and flashing a smile that lit up the room.
Jesus taught; “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Life comes with trials, temptations and burdens of many kinds. Messes are made and lives are messed up by sin, poor judgment and even innocent mistakes. Sometimes it seems the damage is irreparable, the problem is too big and the life is ruined.
How small a big matter is to an omnipotent God. When one teams up with Christ, he’s a new creation. One yokes up with Christ and finds it easy and the burden is light. The trials become joys and with God’s help the ruined life becomes something unique and beautiful.
Invite Jesus to help you. “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” Your big problems are not too big for Him to handle. All that’s required is a touch of the Master’s hand.
Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.
