Today While Cooking…Be Confident

Today while cooking, I was pondering the past few days. It seems as though some of my friends and family have experienced some form of disappointment. Be it receiving bad news about the death of a loved one or receiving a bad doctor’s report or feeling like you are a failure or feeling overwhelmed due to the many things you have on your plate that are undone or feeling like you have not been there for your family or experiencing rebellion from your kids.

It can wreak havoc on your soul.

It’s been difficult determining how to encourage my friends and family that are going through these seemingly difficult and disappointing times right now. But GOD…

I make desserts for a family camp that is going on this summer for some dear friends of mine. I must prepare for 50 people; one to three times per week. In trying to determine the best dessert that could be doubled and provide enough for 50 people, sheet cakes have been the overwhelming winner. I had never made a sheet cake before; but in my mind, if you have made one cake, you have made them all. I love trying new recipes and Pinterest has afforded me the opportunity to do just that. I found a lemon one and chocolate one to try out on the crowd. Yes. I said TRY OUT on them.

My husband is ALWAYS nervous when I try a new dish on someone without trying it first. Truthfully, in his defense, I have had a couple of mishaps. LOL! The results just did not pan out like I thought they would. But I don’t let that discourage me; it comes with the territory. I have been cooking and baking since I was 12 years old and I’ve made mistakes. The mistakes and mishaps taught me quite a bit that I would not have learned if things turned out perfect every time. I can confidently look at a recipe and determine if it’s going to be good.

I have been leaning on that confidence for these desserts. I am confidently trusting in my experience and walking in faith; knowing that what I am going to put together will taste good. I don’t even leave myself a sample to try; well, I try the batter which is a good indication! I deliver the desserts; believing by faith, that what I cooked will be good and well received.

So far, I have not disappointed the attendees. The lemon sheet cake received rave reviews; it is good. The orange brownies received rave reviews; it is good.

Today I decided to make a chocolate sheet cake, and I’m expecting to receive the same feedback.

It. Is. Good.

Confidence.

Hebrews 10:35-36 says, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

I want to encourage someone who might be going through something disappointing or difficult right now. Don’t throw away your confidence, hope, or faith in God. As Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hold onto confidence, hope and faith. Remember your past experiences with Him. God has been there for you and brought you through everything you have experienced. And He can do it again.

There is nothing too hard or impossible for God. That bad report didn’t catch God by surprise. That rebellious child didn’t catch God by surprise. That never-ending to-do list didn’t catch God by surprise.

BE CONFIDENT because God has triumphed over your previous situation and he will be triumphant over this one.

BE CONFIDENT because God has never left you before and He won’t leave you now.

BE CONFIDENT because the same God that delivered Daniel from the lion’s den is the same God that will deliver you.

BE CONFIDENT because the same God that used David to slay Goliath, will be the same God that will slay your Goliath.

This is not God’s first rodeo with disappointment. He has experience and His track record is impeccable.

God will come through again and the results will be the same… it is good and it will work out good for you.

Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.

BE CONFIDENT. AND. DON’T. LOSE. HOPE.

And guess what?
I heard the chocolate sheet cake was good!