Live and learn. Made a gluten-free strawberry coffee cake, but I ended up making it incredibly greasy tasting. I'm not happy with the way it turned out. So much for my first attempt. Not even my dad likes it. So he suggested I stick it back in the oven to bake it a little bit longer. I did, and it got better. When I took it out, I decided to let it cool down completely before I tried eating it again. That just might do the trick. An item like cake or even a beef roast continues to cook for a little while as it cools down, and it's best to wait for awhile before you eat it so it's completely done and edible.
I realize tonight my walk with God is like that. When I go through fiery trials, I feel like I am baking in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven. God allows the trials to help shape my character, to help me learn a lesson, and to show me just how powerful he is. When the trial is over and I'm done baking, the "cool off" period begins. Sometimes I have to endure unwanted consequences as a result of my own poor choices or other's poor choices. Sometimes, I have to grieve over the death of a loved one, a split in a relationship, or the missed opportunities I wish I had taken. Sometimes the joy and relief come and I am happy with how things turned out even if it's not what I have in mind. But no matter what, the cooling off period allows me to become more "done" and ready to face any other challenges and joys that come my way.
Today's sermon at church was about living an uncommon life, based on 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. This particular chapter encourages us not to get tricked into believing lies about the second coming of Jesus Christ or even about our own sinful behavior, but to live in truth and knowledge that we have the power of God inside of us through our faith in Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to do great things instead of choosing to do terrible things. Our pastor also quoted 1 Timothy 4:8, which says, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." Now that I've been exercising regularly for the past 7 years and have maintained a 60 pound weight loss, I realize just how much my spiritual life and physical life need proper balance. Reading the Bible and asking God for help gives me the motivation to make better choices in everything I do, including in what I eat and how I care for myself. My spiritual life takes top priority, but working out and eating lots of fruits and vegetables gives me the energy to stay alert in a worship service and helps me remember what I have read in the Bible so I can use it to make wise decisions.
Sometimes, I make mistakes, just like I did with the cake today. But I am grateful for second chances from God, and even when the result isn't one I like, I'm able to see that it all worked out for the best.
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