23rd July - "“God Gives the Ingredients - You Get to Cook the Life”

Have you ever followed a recipe, only to realise it didn’t quite turn out how you imagined?

Sometimes life is a lot like that. God hands us a set of ingredients, our talents, our passions, our personality, even our quirks and says, “Here you go. Let’s make something amazing.”

And we do our best. We mix, we stir, we follow the instructions the best we know how. But then we get to the end, look at the result, and wonder, “Was this how it was supposed to turn out?” Sometimes it’s a win. Other times it’s… a burnt tray and a messy kitchen. But just like cooking, we don’t throw the whole kitchen away; instead we hopefully regroup, and try again. We mix it differently, follow the instructions more carefully, get more supplies from the pantry and ask for what we need.

Because here’s the thing: God’s not just the giver of ingredients, He’s also stocked the storeroom and given us some guidance.

He says in His Word, “If you need anything to ask.” That’s not just about emergencies. It’s about direction, ideas, provision, help, grace, boldness, healing, joy, inspiration - you name it, He's got it ready for you.

Plus I don't think God expects us to get it perfect on the first go all the time. But He does want us to use what He’s given and step out. To take what’s in our hands and start cooking.

The Bible acts like a receipe book, that gives the wisdom, the principles, and the truth you need to live well,to walk with purpose and most of all to love others. But how it plays out in your life? That’s where it gets exciting. That’s where your faith and creativity comes in and you get to make something unique.

You don’t have to copy someone else’s path. God made you one-of-a-kind, created to reflect something no one else can.” When you feel like trying something new, something you’ve never cooked before He says, “Just ask. I’ve got what you need in the pantry.”

So don’t compare your compare your dish to someone else’s. Don’t be afraid to remix the recipe or start a whole new one. Take what God has placed in your hands your gifts, your passions, experience, your story and create something with it all. He’s not holding you back. In fact, He’s cheering you on.

And when you run out of ideas, feel like you’re missing something or want to explore something new, don’t be afraid to ask for more, to try again, or dream bigger. Heaven’s supply is full, and God’s already set aside what you need with your name on it. His pantry is overflowing with provision, grace, courage, creativity, wisdom; whatever you need to move forward.

Action Steps:

1. Take stock of what God’s already placed in your hands; your gifts, time, passions, opportunity.

   
   

2. Ask Him for anything you feel you’re missing or think would be helpful and then look out for the answers.

   
   

3. Try something new this week that stretches your faith and creativity and just see what He does with it.

Bible Verse:“If you then… know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” - Matthew 7:11 (NIV)

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” - 1 John 5:14–15 (NIV)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” - Matthew 7:7–8 (NIV)

Prayer; Lord, thank You that you give me the ingredients and the guidance in your Word that I need to live my best life. Please help me to use what You’ve placed in my hands and in the promises in your Word with faith and creativity. And when I need something more, that I would remember to ask because your storehouse is always full. In Jesus name Amen.