Let Jesus Cook

ECCLESIASTES 3:1 – For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven

For those who enjoy cooking, they understand that patience is a requirement and not an option. Cooking requires patience because it often involves waiting for ingredients to cook properly, allowing chemical reactions to develop fully, and ensuring the dish reaches its optimal texture and flavor. Ultimately, the quality of the final dish is often significantly impacted by the time spent cooking and allowing things to develop gradually—every great cook understands this.

Over time, just like with anything else, skilled cooking becomes an instinct. You no longer need measurements or timers because enough experience allows the ability to gauge meals instinctively. However, learning to prepare great meals for others to enjoy is much easier than preparing Christ-like character for others to witness.

The issue is many of us don’t know our place when it comes to being in the kitchen with Jesus. He is the chef and we are the meals (reflection of His character) being prepared at just the right time for His glory. If left to be the chefs of our own lives, every season would cook like microwaveable hot pockets yet God often prefers to use a crockpot. As chefs, we would make every life event sweet to the taste because unlike God, we don’t possess the omniscience (all-knowing power) to understand how something painful, bitter, and dare I say disgusting, could work out for our good (Romans 8:28).

At just the right time in our lives, God knows exactly when to add in a pinch of excitement, a cup of disappointment, and a tablespoon of grief. Just as each ingredient of a meal serves a tasteful purpose, we should trust that each season of our lives serves a purpose because God is powerfully at work, so be patient and let Jesus cook.

Whatever season you’re facing currently (struggling marriage, singleness, empty nesters, financial hardship, new promotion, etc.), trust that God sees you, hears you, and loves you. Again, remain patient and let Him cook up something purposeful in your life. In due time, God may (or may not) change your situation but He most certainly will change you. Embrace each season, learn from each season, while trusting His perfect timing—even when it may not seem immediately clear.