Iron Rose Sister Ministries

Puzzles are a great analogy for life. We get all excited when we finally find the place where each unique piece goes. We get frustrated when pieces don’t fit, or when we can’t figure it out. And when we step back to look at the big picture, we realize that each piece of the puzzle has its place and is no more important than another.

I enjoy jigsaw puzzles. They are relaxing to me. They are also a tangible reminder that while I cannot see where each piece of my life fits yet, God sees the big picture and knows that each piece will find its place, in His timing.

Sometimes I have to let a piece go and set it aside. By stepping away and coming back to it later, I can see more clearly where it should go. Oh, the applications and comparisons to many of my life struggles!

Puzzles help me put it all back in perspective because I am trusting that the person who created the puzzle designed each piece to be unique and fit in only one right place.

However, the other day, I started working on a jigsaw puzzle that was so poorly designed that I had to give up on it. A garage sale purchase, I was excited to pull the real wood pieces out of the box. The European outdoor coffeeshop scene was inviting and its vibrant colors would be fun to see come to life as the pieces connected to one another... or not.

As I started to separate the pieces, searching for edge pieces, I noticed that every single piece of the puzzle had the same shape. There were slight variations, minor height differences in the openings where the adjoining piece fit, but essentially, they were all the same. Yes, the colors were different, but with the shapes the same, pieces could interconnect that in no way belonged next to one another. What?! How was I supposed to know what piece goes where?!

Determined to not let this puzzle get the best of me, I started with the edge pieces. Even there, I proceeded with doubts about whether or not the adjoining pieces were in their correct position. If I messed up now, it would create even more problems as I tried to complete the inner sections. This puzzle was far from relaxing...

Okay, I’ll move to the pieces that have writing on them because then I will feel more assured that I have the right pieces in the right place, confirmed by the readable words. Yet, as you can see in the picture, even that presented its challenges.

Frustrated and confused, I put a few pieces together in the wrong way intentionally, snapped the picture you see with this post, and sent it to a few friends, inviting them to a laugh and to commiserate with me. Misery loves company, right? And laughter is the best therapy?

Invigorated by the laughter and commiseration, and also, not being one to give up easily, I tried a few more times to see if I could figure out a system for putting this diabolical puzzle together. Nope. No way. After finally admitting that this puzzle would be nearly impossible to ever put together, I decided it was time to let it go because
1. I didn’t have clear-enough vision to see where each piece fit nor recognize the nuances of color changes between the pieces.
2. I was not familiar enough with the scene depicted to know the section where each piece belonged.
3. While I could’ve forced things to go together in ways that physically fit, it would be completely inaccurate and would not mirror the original design of the puzzle.

Admitting defeat, I packed up the puzzle and put it back in its box. And as I did so, I remembered a few truths about God as they connect to the theme of Finding Our Function.
1. God sees the big picture and knows better than anyone where we each fit in the kingdom and what pieces of our own lives need to fall into place when, in order for us to fulfill our function in the kingdom.
2. God, our Creator, has not designed the puzzle of our lives to frustrate us, nor is He hiding the blueprints of the planned place where we each fit.
3. God’s purpose for our lives is to mirror Him, to be transformed into the image of His Son, in accordance with the fearfully and wonderfully made way He formed each of us in our mother’s womb. When we mirror Him, we can proceed with confidence, knowing our function and the place where we fit.

I pray we can each learn to trust our Creator to fulfill His ultimate design in our lives individually and as unique pieces in the puzzle of the kingdom.

Written by Michelle Guzmán, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Colorado Springs, CO

"Form follows function" is one of the best-known concepts in the world of architectural design created by the famous Louis Sullivan (1856–1924). This principle establishes that the shape of a building or object must be completely related to the use, function, or purpose that this building or object will have. This principle or law was applied in its beginnings in the growing cities of Boston and New York when the number of people was greater than space. To solve this situation was to build vertically. The great skyscrapers we see today originated from the Sullivan principle.

New generations of designers have invented a new concept "Function follows Form" based on the principle of creativity and innovation. What this principle means is that the designer of a building can have freedom to create its shape without limits and the function will then adapt to the space created. An example of this is the Walt Disney Concert Hall building in Los Angeles, California designed by Frank Gehry (1999-2003).

What am I made for? Is my form following my function or my function following my form?

Am I made to carry out my function? Or, does my role depend on who I am?

The Bible is clear in telling us the many gifts and functions within the Body of Christ that we have to help build. But, how do I know what my gift is or what my part is within the Body of Christ?

How many times have you been stressed having to finish a task because you are very concerned about what people will think of you? How many times have you committed to more than what you can do in the month because you want to gain acceptance from people in your church or in your group of friends? Have you sought your value in the things you do in order to feel good?

1. God Created You with a Plan in Mind.
In Genesis 1:27-28 we clearly find God's intention when making us:
“So, God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.” Then Genesis continues telling us the blessings that He has given us as provisions so that we can enjoy our stay on this earth.

2. Being Before Doing.
The first purpose of God for each one of us before “DOING” something is “BEING”.
If we want to find our purpose we must first find out who we are. We are women made in the image of God. And what does this mean? Sometimes we become obsessed with looking for what to do without first looking for who we are. We focus on being daughters, sisters, students, housewives, moms, wives, workers, church members, volunteers, but we forget that in order to know our role we first have to remember who we are. According to God’s word we are His workmanship, formed in our mother's womb with His own hands.

Jeremiah talks about his calling before he was born, but at the same time this passage teaches us again that before "DOING" one must "BE." The Lord makes three clarifications to Jeremiah in the first chapter of the book of Jeremiah: “You are chosen before you are formed. You are set apart before you are born. And you have a name to be and then do.”
“The word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (Jer. 1:4-5)

This also applies to you and me. As a woman, you were chosen before being formed, you were set apart before you were born, you were called a woman so that you could be first and then do. You are a divine creation of God, created with a perfect plan that only applies to you and nobody else, because you belong to Him. He loves you for what you are, not for what you do. Your name is daughter and creature of God, Woman.

3. Created in Christ Jesus for Good Works.
In Ephesians 2:10, we have a very clear vision of what we were created for, but again, this chapter teaches us that before we think about the what, we must remember who we are: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Our wonderful functions were planned first to serve Him and second to belong. He stated beforehand that everything we do must be good works, so our second task after understanding who we are in Christ Jesus is to make sure that everything we “do” is good, and that it is what He planned for us.

By reading our Bible daily, seeking the Lord in prayer, saying good things to God, and praising Him with our words day and night, we develop an intimate relationship with Him that no one can break. He becomes the center of our actions and we can sit in the midst of His presence to talk with Him so that He can tell us how He made us and what He wants us to do. Our gifts and functions align with the desires of God's heart when we make ourselves available to Him in order to serve others every day.

Our function follows the form; how we were made, by Whom we were made, and His plan for our lives determines the function that we will carry out within the Body of Christ to lead a daily life of praise to God in community. Enjoy who you are according to God's plan so that what you do fills your heart and God’s heart. Are you ready for the "Be" before "Doing" challenge?

Michelle J. Goff converses with her mom, Jocelynn, about this month’s topic: “Finding Your Function.”

What is one of the biggest questions you ask yourself when trying to find your place and do your part?
I know my heart is good and devoted to God, but how do I know if I’m fulfilling my role/function in His Kingdom? It’s easy to be involved in good things, but is this the path God has in mind for me?

I think you speak for many women who have similar doubts. How do you answer those questions?
Obviously, scripture and prayer are the first best answers for discovering if I’m fulfilling my function/role in His Kingdom. In a practical sense, we can have trusted resources guide us. Through the years, I have been privileged to hear many gifted speakers, read excellent books, be guided by trusted friends, and of course be guided by God’s Spirit. Some of the things I’ve learned have become guiding principles in my life. One of those resources is Henry Blackaby’s book, Experiencing God. His premise is to look for where God is already working and join Him in that.

This means the focus is not on us but on God. Sometimes, we get a call like Abraham did. He was told to move, but was not given a complete road map. We’d like to have a road map with step by step directions. However, Jesus said, “I am the Way” (John 14:6a). He knows the Way and He is my Way. So, I should be following Him or joining Him in path where He is going or already involved in.

One specific verse I’ve come across recently is Joshua 3:4,
Then you will know which way to go since you have never been this way before.

God said this to Joshua as he was leading the Israelites after Moses’ death. God knew they’d never been this way before, so He told them to follow the Ark of the Covenant. He was the God of details knowing that they needed help. They joined Him where He was leading.

Anyone else you have learned from?
Another one of those sources was Doris Black. She encouraged us to use Psalm 25:4-5 for how to know what paths to take.
Show me Your Ways, O LORD, teach me Your Paths; guide me in Your Truth and teach me for You are God, my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.

Even though it was many years ago, I remember the three points she used as guiding principles for knowing the path to take.

1. Opportunity
2. Circumstances
3. Lines of Authority

If opportunity is not open for you then don’t force the opportunity. Check out the circumstances to see if they are a favorable match for you. Check with your lines of authority. This can be a parent, boss, spouse, elder in the church, or a trusted older person. That person knows you and can guide you with wise counsel to advise, yes or no. The yes can have wise conditions with it and the no can include reasons why this is not best.

God can speak through opportunities, circumstances, and through trusted lines of authority. It’s up to us to seek them and prayerfully use them to help us navigate the path. I have found these three points to be helpful and practical in guiding me in my day-to-day path, as well as for a big picture, down the road path.

Any final words of wisdom about finding our function?
Yes, reminding myself that He is the Potter and I am the clay is a helpful guiding principle. It’s not all up to me or even all about me. It’s all about Him and for Him. If I trust Him, keep Him as my focus, and join Him in His Work, then I can rest assured that I’m in the right path and fulfilling my function/role in His Kingdom.

Written by Ana Mendoza, representative of Iron Rose Sisters Ministries in Cuba

Let's start with this question: What has God asked me to do?

Our Father does not ask you to do something without giving you the tools, without equipping you to do what He has asked you to do.

We can approach this assignment of the Father in two ways:
1- Being negligent
Postponing the call; delegating responsibility to others; feeling that we are inferior to the rest of the group; it is not my priority; my task is not so important; I want, but I don't have time; I will, but not now.
2- Being diligent
I believe that I must do what is necessary to grow to be edified and to be able to help others. I understand how good this word is for me. 

Psalm 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people..

We were created with a purpose; the Creator expects us to be diligent.

Someone gives you a beautiful bouquet of roses and you put it on the table. You say to yourself, "I don't have a nice vase where I can show this beautiful bouquet." So, you think, "Well, the most important thing is not the vase, but that the roses show off their splendor and perfume."

You set out to look for a container with fresh water to prolong the beauty and perfume of the roses. When you get to the kitchen you take care of preparing food, making some calls, and other tasks of great importance. When the night comes and you go to serve dinner, you see the withered roses, without aroma, without life.

Postponing your heart's desire changed the reality of the roses' purpose, which was to brighten and perfume your home.

Don't let carelessness wither the purpose for which God created you. It does not matter if you are not a beautiful vase. The important thing is the water that will give life to the roses, to the ministry, to the call that God gave you. Enjoy filling your pitcher with fresh water every day, from which you can quench the thirst of the tired and thirsty.

Now, perhaps with more clarity, you can answer the question I asked at the beginning, "What has God asked me to do?" Maybe, like Isaiah answered:

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”(Isaiah 6:8)

Written by Melanie Curtis, Office assistant for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Searcy, AR.

Do you ever feel lost in this world? Like everything is meaningless, or what you’re doing in life either isn’t enough, or you aren’t where you thought you’d be? Even one of the wisest people ever, King Solomon, felt this way. He had everything he could have ever imagined and more—power, wealth, influence... Yet somehow, in Ecclesiastes 1:2-3, he still complained, “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!’ says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.’ What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?”

Lately, with all the stress in life, and in the world around us, we may wonder, “Is it even worth it? Will anything I do make a difference anyway?” Jesus did not hold to this philosophy. He said, “‘Everything is possible for one who believes’” (Mark 9:23b), and, speaking of salvation, “‘With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God’” (Mark 10:27b).

So what are some ways we can fulfill our function in the body of Christ, even in the midst of insecurity, change, and doubt? We should look to the Lord for help in this matter, searching the Word, praying for guidance, and looking at Jesus’ example. Below are some Scriptural examples that can guide and encourage us:
1. Remember to LOVE.
“The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world...Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:4b & 7)

2. Remember WHO your motivation is.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23)

3. Remember even the little things can make a BIG difference.
“‘Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”’” (Matthew 25:34-40)

4. Remember WHOSE you are and what that means.
“‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:33-34)

I leave you with this verse, Solomon’s final conclusion regarding our purpose in life:
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Written by an anonymous volunteer.

"I do not want to see anybody." Have you felt like this? That all you want is to be as far away from everyone as possible? Your life is full of threads that connect you to many people. "How can I be independent?" The answer is: "You can't." We depend on each other.

God designed you perfect. Yes! Just as you are: the color of your skin, the place where you live, the way you have grown up; all that is part of you, of what defines your person. You are part of a wonderful whole. Your role in the universe is a key piece, and the development of the potential for which you have been designed will help everything to work better.

Surely you have heard the expression that says, "The universe conspires to achieve what you really want..." Think for a moment, without excuses, about your role in the Body of Christ, the Church.

"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function.” (Rom. 12:4)

What is your function? We are called to serve. The moment you gave your life to Christ, you promised to give Jesus all the authority over your life. But are you giving Him all the authority? It is easier to understand Christ as the Savior, the Redeemer, or as The King. You are not in control! It is Jesus, your King, who has all the authority in your life. Decide to be part of His plan. Don't you find it wonderful? It is like putting the pieces of a puzzle together (you are one) and seeing the whole picture, with all the shades and details. When your function in the body is fulfilled, then you will rest.

One of the struggles of the human being (more for women) is the tendency to compare to others. "I would like to sing like her..." "I wish I could teach like that..." This feeling of, "I'm not like her..." is very dangerous. It is good that you are not like her! Each of us is unique, to be used as living and polished stones, in the temple or house of God.

There is diversity of gifts and functions within the Body, the Church. God is the same. Your God is my God and that makes the difference. The Spirit that you have is the same that I have. In 1 Corinthians 12, the body of Christ is compared to the physical body. This reminds me of the brother who had an accident at work and lost a small part of his finger. It hurts. He misses it. He realized that even that part was useful. It is gone.

Where are you? Are you working for the Body?

Your King and Lord commands you: "Go, and make disciples of all nations." Let us be witnesses to that cross, where grace and justice met, where your burdens and mine were released, where love and forgiveness echo wonderfully. Let us be carriers of the truth, the truth that interrupted time.

I invite you to do your part, to fulfill your role and share your faith, today. There is no other who can do it like you do.