Half-Baked

Dear Friend,

For as long as I can remember I’ve tried to operate with good intentions. But many of us know that sometimes good intentions may yield unfavorable and unfruitful results. Years ago on my little brother’s 6th or 7th birthday I wanted to do something special for him, but as a child my resources were limited. So my intentions were to bake him a cake. I followed the recipe line by line off the back of the box. It looked like cake batter, smelled like cake batter, and even tasted like cake batter. I was just knew I was headed in the right direction. All was well until I decided to try and expedite the cook time. I treated the cake like a cookie and assumed it was finished because the top layer was a golden brown with gently crusted edges. Out of pride and joy for this delectable creation I slid the pan out of the oven and proceeded to the next steps...cooling and icing. Once finished it was now time for the grand finale; the taste test!!! The moment we all had been waiting for turned grim with the first slice and even worst with the second. I had cooked a half baked cake and attempted to serve it as done!

We cannot rush the process! I repeat we cannot rush the process! I repeat...WE. CANNOT. RUSH. THE PROCESS. Pride will tell us that we don’t have to, or it doesn’t take all of that. But in all actuality every step of the way matters! Even the moments that seem mundane because you have to wait patiently.

We are all in a process, but we have to make the decision that we will stick it out no matter what it takes! Will it always be easy? No. Will we always be excited and eager to take the next step? No. But we must trust God like never before knowing that He has it all under control! It’s only when we start focusing on every little detail and trying to control the situation that we get distracted. Let us keep our eyes on Him!

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

No one wants a half baked cake! I’m pretty sure you don’t want to show up in life looking like you’re a completed product but when people try you they get raw unprocessed material. By His grace we can stick it out. Be encouraged and enjoy the process!

Patient in the process,

Jess