Once upon a time, there was a girl who had a peanut butter sandwich. It had a few ants in it, and there were a few smudges of dirt on it. However, it was her sandwich–and in her mind–it was the thing that was standing between her and starvation.
While she was sitting there with her sandwich, hanging unto it, but not really eating it, she was approached by the King of her country. He told her that she was invited to a fabulous feast. He described the delicious, well-crafted food at the feast. It all sounded so, so very very good.
However, the King told the girl that she had to give Him her sandwich. If she gave Him her sandwich, then she could go into the feast.
The girl thought and thought, she wanted to eat the feast, but she was afraid to give up her sandwich. She had the sandwich, the feast was still a promise. Did she have enough faith to let go of the sandwich and walk into the feast?
I think in many ways, I am that girl and I’m holding unto the sandwich because I’m afraid to let go and walk into the feast.
This story is an illustration of faith. It is an illustration of God promising us His feast, but first we have to let go. We have to let go of the things we turn to for comfort—and everything we think will feed us–and turn to Him—-our true comfort, and our Feast, our Food—the bread of life.
Let me further illustrate with a story from my life. I have turned to food for comfort for most of my life. I remember when I was 9 years old, and a package arrived for me in the mail. It was a present from a favorite Aunt. I was hoping it was a box of chocolates. Instead, she had heard me talk about how my older siblings had a baby book, but I didn’t–so she bought me a baby book, so I would have one too. Presently, I treasure that baby book, and the thoughtfulness of my Aunt in thinking of me. However, at the time, I was disappointed that it was not a box of chocolates. I tell this story to illustrate my problem with sugar.
One might even say that I even have an addiction to sugar—it is what I turn to for comfort, and it is what I crave. For a long time, the Lord has been speaking to me about this issue, He has asked me to give this addiction to Him. I ignored Him.
I gained weight, and could not lose it. I developed a problem with my sugar levels. Finally, I turned to Him, and gave Him my “sandwich” so to speak. And My King has given me a feast.
It has not been easy to hand over my “sandwich”, in fact, it seems like each day, and many moments a day, I am faced with a decision to hand over that sandwich.
There are some verses from Romans 12 that have helped me so much: Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
In offering my life to God, I have seen God transform me. Physically, I have lost weight, and my blood sugar levels are good. Mentally, my mind seems clearer. Spiritually, I am seeing the truth more and more about who God is, and who I truly am in Him.
Just as a baby grows to be able to walk and talk, but that growth is a process, so too, my growth and faith have been and will continue to be a process. However, God’s love remains constant each step of the way.
May we be encouraged!!
Encouragement for you!! 