In my next book I have a large cast of characters. I have been struggling to come up with how all the pieces fit together and what the exciting climax will be. But yesterday I found a missing piece that will bring my story together. This scripture:

The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit. Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?

But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. How strange a body would be if it had only one part! Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”

In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.‬‬

1 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭12‬-‭27‬ ‭NLT

I have found my characters struggling with feelings of inadequacy and I realize they are reflecting my own struggles. They face a world that has big problems and they feel too small to make a difference. Have you felt the same? Do you sometimes wonder if your hopes and dreams are trivial compared to bigger-picture issues?

But maybe we’re condemning ourselves over a part we’re not meant to play. Maybe our reach isn’t global or even national. Maybe our influence is local: our friends, our family.

“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”‬‬

Matthew‬ ‭25‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT

We may not be able to change the world, but we can play our part.

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.‬‬

Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT

I won’t quote more scriptures but you can find them. The ones that tell us to work together, encourage each other, be in unity, show love, be a light, and pray with thanksgiving. All these things we can do and more.

Sometimes I let the news drag me into depression, but just like my characters, I have set my heart to do good and have faith. God is not unaware and he is not impotent. God has a plan.

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.‬‬

Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT

Read all of the chapter for more insight relating to the body of Christ and how we are meant to work together.

And would you pray as I write my next novel, that the message would be clear and would find the readers God intends. Thank you.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

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