Friday, July 08, 2011

How God Used the Food Network to Speak to Me

Ok, so I admit it.  I am a big Food Network fan.  There's something in me that enjoys watching others prepare gourmet meals.  Maybe I think that by watching, it will somehow magically change my cooking success or better yet, that watching it releases me from ever attempting such feats as a cook.  My favorite FN show is the Next Food Network Star.   So, I know the show isn't terribly spiritual.  But in a recent episode, God used the panel of judges' statements to finalists to remind me of some key spiritual truths.  

"You have so many parts of life that only you can talk about.  See where that leads you."  
Yes, this was said on the Food Network.  It moved me...spiritually.  It was if God was saying the same thing to me... "Why do you compare yourself to others?  Why do you wish for someone else's platform?  I have created you and shaped you just the way you are and you have a unique life story that only you can tell.  Stop trying to be someone else or speak and write like someone else.  Just be you...and see where that leads you."    

"Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original." Galatians 5:25 - 26 (MSG)

"It's interesting to me when we find these finalists who are running from what is in their bones."
Not chicken bones, mind you.  These finalists were detouring from their passion, their backgrounds, their callings.  Why do we run from the very thing that God has placed in us...our calling?  Is it because of boredom, laziness, neglect, comparison to others, disobedience, or my personal favorite, FEAR?  Must I remind you of our friend Jonah who was called to go to Ninevah to preach the gospel and "he joined those going to Tarshish -- as far away from God as he could get."  Whatever the reason for running away from our calling, we need to run to the One who called us.  He is there to meet us, to equip us, to encourage us, to cast out fear.  Remember, "The One who calls you is FAITHFUL and He will do it."  1 Thess. 5:24

"She shows a lot of passion, she just doesn't have any focus."
Ouch.  I know this statement wasn't directed toward me personally, but it sure could have been.  The female finalist receiving this critique was very passionate about food, cooking, and even the show, but she lacked knowing who she really was and focusing on her unique perspective.  I have to admit watching her, she was all over the place.  She lacked focus.  I feel this way often.  I show a lot of passion for God, for His Word, for my family, for ministry, but I often lack focus.  I want to be a passionate woman of God...with focus.  God's Word tells us the only way this is possible is to focus on Him, get to know Him.  He provides the passion...and the focus.  Paul writes this for the church at Ephesus:  

"I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do..."  Ephesians 1:15 (MSG)

So, what part of this spiritualization of the Next Food Network Star resonated with you?  Do you stray from your originality...your story?  Do you run from your calling and if you do, why?  And finally, do you lack focus?  Comment below! 

12 comments:

Brandee said...

Kelli this was great! I especially was challenged by the focus statement. So often I try to do everything good instead of what God's best is for me. I took the step of taking some things off my plate for this upcoming school year to refocus and do the things I know God wants me doing and not just what everyone else does or expects of me. To really be who and what God wants me to be I have to have His eyes showing me where to go and what to do. I am going to ponder on this today as I am currently praying about an opportunity and trying to decide if this is from God or myself.

Can't wait to meet everyone at She Speaks in less than 2 weeks!!

God Bless,
Brandee

Kristie Hooper said...

WOW! It is so amazing the avenues that God chooses to speak to us. I am also a huge FN fan! Thank you for allowing God to speak through you because THIS blog, speaks higher than mountains to me with where I am "right now". My heart and my passion is in music and praising God with it. But I have let fear and comparison hold me back from my true calling. I believe with all my heart God wants me to sing and I'm slowly but surely trying to get back to it. So I say a very heartfelt thank you for this particular blog, because not only did God speak to you through FN, He spoke to ME through your blog. God bless you Kelli!

Kelli Williams Wommack said...

Brandee, good vs. best is always a difficult one for me as well. I will be praying alongside of you as you seek God's perfect will for this new opportunity. Be blessed today and thanks for your comment!

And Kristie, perfect love casts out fear! Trust me, this is a promise I am still learning to believe! Stay in tune to His Heart...He is with you!

Kathryn said...

WOW! How funny that you posted this just after my article came out in the EWomen Digital magazine. Why? Because I wrote the article back in February and until I read it again yesterday, I had forgotten what I said about "in true Jonah fashion"! I just LOVE how God brings all things together at just the right time, don't you?

Yep - FEAR - that is the one I have to deal with on a daily basis.

Kelli Williams Wommack said...

Kathryn, I see God driving that fear right out of you! The antidote to fear is FAITH. And I have seen a lot of faith in you lately as you follow your calling!

Glynnis Whitwer said...

Kelli - I loved this. I too have taken spiritual lessons from The Next Food Network Star. But although I love yours, here's mine. I haven't seen it this season, but in seasons past, there was one or two who would look to the judges for what their cooking specialty should be. And the judges would throw it back to them to find their unique "point of view."

That idea has resonated with me for a long time. In fact, it's on my list of devotions to write in coming months. So when you see it published, you'll know that I'd been thinking the same things as you.

But I really like the quotes you have taken. Especially the having passion but lacking focus. That's really good.

You should write an article about this!

Kelli Williams Wommack said...

Thanks, Glynnis! I would love to write an article about this. What avenues should I explore?
And funny you should mention the POV statement, because I had it in there and took it out during final edit! We are definitely on the same page! Can't wait to read your POV on it! :)
See you in 2 weeks!

Anonymous said...

Kelli,

From time to time we all need this reminder! If we would be trust that God does not manufacturer 'junk' then we would fully begin to understand why HE has made each of us with unique qualities. None of us is better than her sisters. Each of us refracts a different color or slightly different huge in the color spectrum. Each has power, beauty, and a story to show and tell:-)

Jennifer

Debbie Giese said...

Hi Kelli! Your blog looks great...nice work! To answer your question, the name of my blog is Live...from Nineveh, if that is any clue, lol. So grateful for the mercy of Christ to even let me be pointed in the right direction now. See you soon...really soon....aaarrrggghhh!!!!

Anonymous said...

Kelli,
Your blog in incredible and your gift of encouragement and writing is amazing! I hope that we can meet at She Speaks! I am from further south - Valdosta, GA! You can check out my blog too - amygking.com
Blessings!
Amy

Kelli Williams Wommack said...

Thanks Amy and Debbie...I look forward to meeting you both!

Laura Rath said...

Hi Kelli,

I also watch Food Network quite often with my daughter - she's 11 and loves these shows. In fact, I think I remember these episodes of The Next Food Network Star.

I love the connections you made here! I hadn't thought of them before reading your post, and they make so much sense.

The Scripture you chose about comparing ourselves to others reminded me of a blog post I wrote a couple of weeks ago about comparisons. They really get us into trouble and take our focus off of Christ and what He wants for us!

Thanks for tweeting about this post today. I hadn't seen it before.

In Christ,
Laura