Lessons From A Rubik’s Cube: Finding God In Life's Puzzles Series

Lessons from a Rubik’s Cube: Finding God in Life's Puzzles

Introduction

Today, I want to share a message inspired by something you might not expect to find in a sermon—a Rubik’s Cube. This little colourful puzzle has been a source of fascination and frustration for many. But did you know that a Rubik’s Cube can teach us profound lessons about our relationship with God? Let’s dive into how this puzzle can reveal spiritual truths about our lives and our faith.

Point 1: The Complexity of Life and God’s Perfect Design

Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT) - "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

In this well-known verse, God speaks through the prophet Jeremiah to the exiled Israelites, assuring them that despite their current struggles, He has a master plan for their lives.

The Hebrew word for "plans" here is "machashabah," which means thoughts, intentions, or designs. Just like a Rubik’s Cube, life can seem chaotic and disordered, but God’s plans are intricate and perfect. He sees the completed picture even when we see only a jumble of colours.

Imagine trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube without knowing the method. It can be frustrating and seem impossible. However, once you understand the algorithms, the solution becomes clear. Similarly, God’s plan might not be immediately obvious to us, but we can trust that He is working out everything for our good.

Charles Swindoll once said, "God is able to take all the tangled threads of our lives and weave them into a tapestry of beauty."

Point 2: The Importance of Patience and Perseverance

James 1:2-4 (NLT) - "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

James encourages believers to see trials as opportunities for growth, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.

The Greek word for "endurance" is "hypomone," which implies steadfastness and perseverance. Solving a Rubik’s Cube requires patience and persistence, much like navigating through life’s challenges. Each twist and turn in our lives can build our character and strengthen our faith if we remain steadfast.

Think about the first time you tried to solve a Rubik’s Cube. It likely took numerous attempts and a lot of patience. Similarly, our spiritual journey involves facing and overcoming various trials, which ultimately make us stronger and more resilient.

Rick Warren states, "God never wastes a hurt! In fact, the very thing that discourages you the most, God is using to develop your character the most."

Point 3: The Beauty of Transformation and Renewal

Romans 12:2 (NLT) - "Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

Paul urges believers to resist conforming to worldly patterns and instead be transformed by renewing their minds.

The Greek word for "transform" is "metamorphoo," from which we get the word metamorphosis. This signifies a profound change from the inside out. Just as a scrambled Rubik’s Cube can be transformed into a completed, orderly state, God can transform our chaotic lives into something beautiful and purposeful.

Watching a Rubik’s Cube go from a disordered state to a completed, colourful pattern is a striking transformation. Likewise, when we allow God to work in our lives, He can bring about a remarkable change that reflects His perfect will.

Tim Keller once said, "God invites us to come as we are, not to stay as we are."

Conclusion:

A Rubik’s Cube might just be a toy, but it holds valuable lessons about our faith journey. It teaches us about the complexity of life and God’s perfect design, the importance of patience and perseverance, and the beauty of transformation and renewal.

Call to Action:

This week, I encourage you to look at the challenges and complexities in your life through the lens of faith. Trust in God’s perfect design, remain patient and steadfast, and allow Him to transform you from the inside out.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons we can learn from the simplest things in life, like a Rubik’s Cube. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan, to remain patient through trials, and to embrace the transformation You offer. Guide us to live according to Your will, reflecting Your beauty and purpose. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Go forth, church, and let God’s wisdom and love solve the puzzles in your life, making you a testimony of His grace and power!