Kids and cooking shows, there's just something about
that combination that is so fun to watch. The ability of these young chefs is
stunning. On a recent episode of Chopped Junior, a young girl experienced
everything from stunning success, to pain and a strong desire to quit, to
coming back and becoming the champion. This journey through three rounds of
food preparation was both heartbreaking and inspiring. When she won the final
round and was awarded the cash prize and a Chopped Junior jacket, joy touched
the hearts of judges and audience alike.
Like the journey of this little girl, God has a plan
for each and every Christian to always advance to the next round. Regardless of
how bleak circumstances may appear, we are daily being changed into the image of
Jesus Christ. “And all of us, as with
unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a
mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing
splendor and from one degree of
glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18 AMP) How we
handle victory and adversity along the way is crucial.
In the first round, this precocious 12-year-old
prepared a creative, eye appealing appetizer using all the necessary
ingredients. From the comments of the judges, her dish was tasty and
satisfying. She could move into the next round with confidence. In our walk
with the Lord there will be times when everything seems to be going right and
we are growing in the Lord by leaps and bounds. This time of growth in the Word
of God and our relationship with Jesus causes our roots to grow deep. “As you have therefore received
Christ, [even] Jesus the Lord, [so] walk (regulate your lives and conduct
yourselves) in union with and
conformity to Him. Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and
founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more
confirmed and established in
the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians 2:6-7 AMP)
We learn of God’s plan, walk according to it and see the benefits.
In the next round things did not go so well. In fact,
everything fell apart for this young girl. Midway through the preparation of
the main course, she cut her finger. She then splashed some grease on her arm
and burned a portion of her dish. Tears welling in her eyes, the look of
despair on her face was obvious to all. (She later related that all she wanted
to do was just give up.) When she was close to just stepping down and admitting
defeat, one of the judges spoke up, encouraging her to go on. He spoke of her
strength, determination and ability to adapt and excel. With renewed vigor she
continued on to complete the task at hand. When time was up and the dishes were
presented to the judges, one more problem occurred. One of the required
ingredients had not made it into her dish. She entered the judging with one
strike already against her. Yet what she had placed on her plate was enough to
move her onto the third and final round.
Ever feel like the circumstances of life are going
wrong on every level? We have been forewarned that trials will come to every
believer. “I have told you these things,
so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and
frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain,
undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm
you and have conquered it for you.]”
(John 16:33 AMP) With that warning we have also received the encouragement that
Jesus has already won every battle and He is with us. With this in mind, we
also continue each day knowing that, even in hardship, we have the victory
through Jesus Christ.
In the final round of the
competition the required, surprise ingredients could easily be adapted for a
dish this young girl had prepared many times at home. In fact, this was her
specialty dessert. She worked with fervor and confidence, even going the extra
mile to hand-whip the cream topping. The dish she presented was beautiful and
extremely tasty. As we become mature in the Lord, we will find opportunities to
minister to others using the talents and gifts that God has placed in us. What we
have learned before, by training and experience, we will be able to pass on to
others. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of sympathy (pity and mercy) and the God [Who is the Source] of every
comfort (consolation and encouragement), Who comforts (consoles and encourages)
us in every trouble (calamity and affliction), so that we may also be able to
comfort (console and encourage) those who are in any kind of trouble or distress, with the comfort
(consolation and encouragement) with which we ourselves are comforted (consoled
and encouraged) by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 AMP) At these junctures we can work with confidence,
sharing the love of God with others.
Every experience of our lives were planned before we
ever took our first breath. And every experience of our lives are a part of the
work God is completing in us. “And
I am convinced and sure of this
very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of
Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in
you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP) After teaching about the return of Christ, the apostle Peter wrote these
words. “But grow in grace
(undeserved favor, spiritual strength) and recognition and knowledge and
understanding of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him [be]
glory (honor, majesty, and splendor) both now and to the day of eternity. Amen
(so be it)!” (2 Peter 3:18 AMP)
Whether things are
easy or difficult, continue on in the power of the Lord. He will bring you
through everything right into eternity.
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