Going to the grocery store is on my list of least favorite things to do. I have recently begun shopping online and picking them up. I am particular about my produce, and I put notes in the order specifically regarding their size, especially when it comes to zucchini and sweet potatoes.
As I put my groceries away, I noticed that both of these items were the size of my head. The shopper ignored my directions and I had enough zucchini and sweet potatoes to feed a large family.
I decided that I would roast these giant vegetables so as to not have them go to waste. I cut them up, spread them on a sheet pan and added appropriate spices. As I was putting the spices away, I noticed that a bottle of grilled chicken seasoning was among the others.
Gaffe to Giggles
I realized that I had inadvertently grabbed this instead of my Italian seasoning. Ugh… I rolled my eyes and let out a moan. But then I actually giggled and said to the Lord, “Well God, I need you to Romans 8:28 this situation.”
Other than the zucchini being a bit soggy (what’s up with that??), they tasted pretty good! They did not go to waste and the best part? I have leftovers for like…ever. This is amazing because cooking is also not on my list of favorite things to do.
God took my mistake and turned it into something good. Lesson: look before you “leap” into your spice rack!
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV)
Take God Out Of The Box
So many times, we bemoan or complain about our present circumstances, forgetting (or perhaps denying) that God says He’ll turn things around for us. Or, we think that our “minor afflictions” (2 Corinthians 4:17) are just that – minor. We think God has bigger fish to fry than my gargantuan zucchini or other “crisis du jour’s”.
Yet, that’s exactly where we miss it. God DOES care about my produce. He cares about everything in our lives because He cares about us (1 Peter 5:7). We have a tendency to turn to God only for the crisis in our lives. Yet He’s shouting – “I want to be with you every day, every minute – not just when you have giant zucchini’s.”
This week, I want to encourage you to take God out of your “For Crisis Only” box and invite Him into the mundane. Invite Him into your traffic jams. Invite Him into the crowded parking lots. Better yet, just invite Him in to your day – the good and the bad.
The Bible tells us to pray without ceasing and to give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). That doesn’t mean we are on our knees 24/7. No, it just means we are talking to and involving God in our comings and goings – just as we would our best friend.
If this is a new concept for you, maybe it’s time to spice things up. Go on…grab that bottle of grilled chicken seasoning and see what God can do with it.