Puzzling Thoughts

Materials
An overhead projector; a large-piece jigsaw with very few pieces. (The picture on this puzzle does not matter.) The size should be similar to the top of the overhead projector.

Arrange the pieces of the large-piece jigsaw at random on top of the overhead projector.

Activity
Ask for a volunteer to come up and assemble the puzzle.

Application
The pieces will show up in silhouette as it is assembled, as will the hands. As this is happening, use the jigsaw to illustrate how God takes all the confusing pieces of life and fits them together. We may not see the picture he is putting together, but we can have faith that he is in charge.

Variation
If you have multiple OHP projectors make a game out of it. Provide teams with the same puzzle pieces but on different projectors. Allow the teams to shout to their leader instructions for putting the puzzle together. (How often do we tell God what we think is best in life when we also do not see the picture as clearly as he does?)