“Here’s the wacky cake recipe, Clyde,” I instructed my
8-year-old neighbor.
3 C. flour, 2/3 C. cocoa, 2 C. sugar
1 t. salt, 2 t. baking soda
2/3 C. oil, 1 t. vanilla, 2 t. vinegar, 2 C. water
We worked as a team to combine all the ingredients. When it came to the vinegar, Clyde sniffed it and said, “Ew! That will ruin it!”
“No, it won’t.” Picking up the baking soda box, I explained. “When the vinegar mixes with this, it creates a chemical reaction that makes the cake rise when it bakes and fluffy and moist when we eat it.”
Later, as I thought about my conversation with Clyde, I realized just how extraordinary a recipe is. God made each ingredient with a purpose. Separately, they don’t seem like something anyone would want to eat. Cocoa powder is very bitter. Flour is tasteless. Swallowing even a tablespoon of oil? Yuk! And, like Clyde remarked, the smell of vinegar is certainly off-putting.
But just the thought of a slice of wacky cake makes my mouth water.
We are a lot like the separate ingredients in a recipe. When we think about ourselves, who we are and what we do, we may feel insignificant, like a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla. But God created us with a purpose. (Ephesians 2:10) He has shaped and prepared each of us to play a unique role that will help share His loving grace, encourage others to grow in faith, and bring glory to God. (1 Corinthians 12) Together, we can make those around us hunger to know Jesus! All God asks it that we do our small part.
We may not be asked to preach from a pulpit, sing from a stage, or minister as a medical missionary. God may be calling us to simply stop to see a shut-in, help hand out hot dogs in a HUD development, or bake a batch of cupcakes with the little boy next door.
If two teaspoons of vinegar can help make a 9x13 cake moist and fluffy, just think what our single act or word of kindness or encouragement might do to spread the word about Jesus’ gifts of forgiveness and a new start in life!
Be encouraged!
