From the Archives: How God Used the Food Network to Speak to Me

This is my #3 post this year. It is definitely one of my favorites as God used something very secular to move me spiritually. I find He does that often if I am seeking Him and His voice. 

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!