Author: The Manna Chef

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The Privilege of Suffering?

The Manna Chef

You know how some things that may be really good for you don’t always taste so great?  You know it’s nutritious, but if you’re being honest, you’d rather eat something that is delicious and sweet—maybe even with some chocolate in it?  Well, that’s how I felt this morning when I read Philippians 1:29 (NLT):

For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him.

Let me be real with you; when I read it, I did not want to stand up and shout, “Hallelujah!”  I sat very still and thought, “Aw man!  More suffering?”  You see, as a Sister who has been walking in relationship with the Lord for quite some time, I have experienced some devastating, life-altering moments.  The thought of more suffering makes my mind weary and my body tired.  No one wants to suffer, right?  And I’m not going to try to put a “holy spin” on it either.  Suffering hurts.  It doesn’t feel good.  Even Jesus asked, “Is there another way to do this?”  (Matthew 26:39) 

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“I’m Not Ready”

The Manna Chef

How many of you have ever told the Lord, “I’m just not ready, God,” when He instructed you to complete a task, say a word, or step outside of your comfort zone?  And it wasn’t that you were intentionally being disobedient; you genuinely felt like you just needed a little more time or that you needed some more resources to do what God instructed you to do in excellence.  Well, I want to let you in on a little secret—that is the exact place you need to be in, the place where you realize that you cannot accomplish whatever it is without God.  You fully understand that you are totally dependent upon the Lord.

John 15:5 (NLT) says it beautifully, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing.“

Apart from God, we can’t do anything!  The key to being ready is not in your own ability.  If you walk into a challenge thinking, “I got this!” without the Lord, you are in for a huge disappointment.  Conversely, the next time you have to step into an opportunity, and you feel those “butterflies” in your stomach, lean right into that feeling and ask God to walk into that moment with you.  Lean on His strength.  Now, you are ready and can say, “Lord, we got this!”

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The Will of God

The Manna Chef

How many times have you asked the question, “God, what is Your will for my life?”  Even those Sisters who are certain of their calling have probably asked at some point in their lives.  It occurred to me recently that we have a way of making things so much more complicated than they need to be.  Life itself can be complicated, so why in world would we add to the chaos? 

Well, today I want to share with you the answer to that very question, “Lord, what is Your will for my life?”  It’s not some deeply spiritual and mysterious answer, either.  God gave us a simple answer in His Word, and I am convinced that everything we need will spring forth from His instruction.  The answer is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV):

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

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The Real Reward

The Manna Chef

You know how sometimes you can read a very familiar Scripture and get a brand-new revelation?  Well, I have something to share with you today!  I was reading Genesis 15:1, and the Lord blew my mind!

After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram.  I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”  (Genesis 15:1 NKJV)

What comes to mind when you see the word reward?  We often associate reward with something we receive as a token of gratitude or some type of recognition for an achievement.  Other times, we may see reward and think of a prize. 

When we think of reward as it relates to Scripture, we often think of Hebrews 11:6.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.  (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)

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It May Be Friday…

The Manna Chef

How many of you are in the midst of a challenging season in your life?  Lately, it seems like there is so much going on around us on a daily basis.  It really is important to be very intentional about how you choose to spend your time because there are so many distractions around us all the time. 

When I experience a difficult day, I stop everything so I can reset internally.  Sometimes it even means turning out the lights for a bit to shut out all distractions.  I have to quiet my thoughts and pray and breathe deeply.  Other times, I may turn on music to help me refocus, because, let’s face it, Sisters, these days life just feels stressful.

You may even find yourself in the midst of a storm or test right now—family issues, job-related stress, health concerns, relationship difficulties—sometimes life just feels hard. 

Notice, I keep saying “feels,” because I need you to know these turbulent times are temporary.  I know it seems like every time you turn on the television, you hear about the latest tragedy, mass shooting, plane crash, political corruption, or food recall; it feels like it never ends.  It may be difficult to keep a positive attitude in the midst of all of the bad news.  But Sisters, hold on!!  No matter how things look or feel, please know that God is still in control!  You just may be experiencing your Friday right now.  Let me explain what I mean. 

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