Making Cookies
I was going through a tough time and it didn’t help to think that God didn’t need me. I love serving Him. There is so much that is rewarding and good that comes from serving Him. But He doesn’t need me. But He works though people to accomplish His will. However, if He calls someone to step out and do something and they don’t, He is not bound by that person’s inaction. He can accomplish it on His own or choose another. God doesn’t need me. This only seemed to add insult to injury to my wounded soul.
I wrestled with this for weeks – no months. It didn’t add up. God is an inclusive God. He desires all to come to Him. And then it struck me. Oh my goodness! It’s like making cookies! To explain, I need to back up a bit. I’m a mom of two boys. Before I was a mom, I was an engineer. I value all things efficient and well-designed. There are a lot of conflicts between being efficient and caring for children. When caring for children, efficiency is rarely the best choice. My boys enjoy making cookies. We all know children are not the best at making cookies. They make a MESS! It’s not fast, it’s not tidy, it may not even be done correctly. So why do we make cookies with our kids?!
It’s the same with God. God is not concerned about efficiency in getting things done. He’s concerned about relationships. God calls us to make cookies with Him. He has a plan and He invites us to join Him. He doesn’t do this because we’re master chefs, but because we’re His children. God knows that when we “help” we will probably not do everything right and will most likely make a mess. But that’s ok. It’s part of the learning experience. God wants to spend time with you. He wants to do something together with you. Not only are you spending time together but it’s also a teaching/learning time. We have to rely on Him to show us what to do and how to do it. He gives us the ingredients and tools and teaches us how to use them.
You have been uniquely gifted by God. He has given you ingredients and tools that I don’t have. I have a different set. God has given you these resources to join Him in His work. God WANTS to make cookies with you. And let me tell you, WANT is so much better than NEED. Want is desire. Need may or may not indicate desire. We need to drink water to live, but right now I’m not thirsty. I don’t want to drink water. My boys may need to brush their teeth or take a shower, but they don’t want to. Someone may even need life-saving surgery but not want it. God doesn’t need you, He WANTS you. He wants to be with you, to spend time with you. He wants to do things together with you.
Take a moment to think about the ingredients and tools God has blessed you with – your gifts and talents. Is God calling you, inviting you to make a batch of cookies with Him? One fun aspect about making cookies with God is eating and sharing them! And that’s exactly why I’m calling this blog “The Cookie Exchange.” Writing and sharing story-pictures that God has shared with me is part of sharing my cookies with you. Now, will you be willing to share some of your cookies with me? God will reveal Himself to you in a way different than to me. I’d love to hear more about what God is doing in your life because I get a more complete picture of God and the body of Christ through you! So please, ditch the mentality of read and leave. Let’s live in community. If you’re reading this, take a few moments to reply.
At the end of each blog I will include scripture text to reflect on for the week. Reading God’s letter to you is an excellent way to spend time with Him. Also, if you’re drawing a blank on how to comment, I’ll provide a few questions to get some thoughts going.
For reflection this week. Simmer on these (click on reference for link to text):
I’d love to hear about:
- – What gifts or talents do you feel God has gifted you with? Do you believe you are gifted?
- – A time you saw God work though you using your gifts, making cookies with Him.
- – Is there something that you feel God is inviting you into?
- – Any thoughts, questions or areas that you didn’t follow.
It is good to go back. I do not remember this blog.
Thinking of God & Cookies makes me feel warm & comfy.
It is so hard to want to be productive in our later years. Just ‘being’ is enough? We are slower, more easily in pain. Worn out all the time.
Can God still make cookies out of old ingredients?
Trying to rethink where God wants to use me now.
Thank you for eyes that can read your words.
So many great thoughts here, Kathy. Thank you for sharing them. I’ve been thinking on them for days. One of the hardest lessons to learn is how to “be.” Just be. Perhaps that’s why that lesson is typically kept for later in life. My grandmother made amazing cookies out of spoiled milk, so God can definitely use old ingredients and tools to accomplish His work. Many times it’s the tools that have been worn in and seasoned that are easier to use. God is never done with us. We are always an example and witness of His light. It’s disorienting when life changes. He calls us to rest in His grace and what He has done. That’s what it’s always been about. His work, not ours.
Your comments remind me of a book recommendation I received recently. It’s called Be Still My Soul, by Elisabeth Elliot. You may want to check it out.
Many times it’s difficult to see our own gifts. My husband couldn’t see how he was using his gifts. I was able to share with him how aspects of his personality impacted others positively. He doesn’t think about it. It’s just who he is. Therefore, since it is so ingrained, he couldn’t see it. Reach out to someone and let them know how they positively impact the world around them. If this is something you struggle with, ask someone you trust to help you to see yourself better in identifying your gifts. I’d love to hear about your conversations!