As a puzzle is completed, the picture begins to emerge, even when lacking knowledge of where the remaining pieces fit. Through faith it is believed everything is by design, that every piece fits in a specific place, and that all the necessary pieces are present—neither more nor less. Likewise, for those who come to the knowledge of God, it comes through faith, thought, seeking, and revelation to reach a point where Truth is more fully comprehended.

When the truth of God is known, it may be hard to convey as a picture in the way that only you can see, especially to unbelievers who lack the pieces you possess. You can explain the picture to them, but you can only provide them with one or a few pieces at a time. They cannot see the picture like someone who has the pieces and has assembled many of them over time, especially when they already hold a mental construct of a worldview they developed beginning with their youth.

To effectively communicate the picture, it is necessary to study the scriptures, know the pieces, and understand how they fit together. Only then is it possible to present a comprehensive picture that is persuasive to unbelievers. And there is no story so simple and yet so complex as the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The holy scriptures, similar to a puzzle, have interlocking connections where each piece combines with others to create a picture. The mysteries run so deep and were written over such a long period by dozens of authors in harmony that the writings could not be anything apart from the work of the Holy Spirit linking them all together in concord across the ages. Once you comprehend the written words, it becomes impossible to deny the divine inspiration of the work.

However, as challenging as it can be to convince unbelievers who lack biblical knowledge, the greater challenge often comes in discourse with the devoutly religious—those who may agree on some fundamentals but hold fast to falsehoods received through religious traditions. This, too, will likely be the way they perceive those who reject their theology. Thus, the body of believers is fragmented, and many divisions have arisen, splintering into countless denominations and sects.

Like an immense puzzle with pieces only visible to the one possessing it, every individual has their own unique puzzle; each individual sees a different picture of the world, even if only ever so slightly—no two are exactly alike. The pieces everyone works with are the things they believe, and to varying degrees among all, certain falsehoods are mixed in with the true pieces. When the correct pieces are in the proper placement, there is agreement. However, trying to force pieces into places they do not fit creates abstract ideologies and brings conflicts in the world. There is no peace without truth—God is Truth.

From an early age and throughout life, individuals gather various pieces, most of which are either handed down or passed around, and many of these pieces are not parts of the true puzzle. Those who are guided by the Spirit recognize the counterfeits and are led to know the true pieces and to understand how they fit together—in due time, the true picture of God emerges.

The Spirit draws those who hunger for truth. Feeding them puzzle pieces in preparation for the day of salvation, the truth becomes inescapably apparent. Those who know God know that the pieces they gathered throughout their lives were given to them by the Holy Spirit; they know they are the truth, and by them they have faith in God and know Him.

The Spirit calls to those who will listen that they may be filled.

“Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets; she crieth in the chief place of concourse, in the openings of the gates; in the city she uttereth her words.”  (Proverbs 1:20, 21)

It is her desire to give life.