What is your go-to recipe?

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life;
whoever comes to me shall not hunger,
and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’”
John 6:35  English Standard Version

These are Pecan Tassies. It is a “go to” recipe of mine, but it is so much more than that. It is comfort food. These little pastries say welcome, farewell, cheers, and made with love. While my quick recipe arsenal also includes Asian coleslaw (a cabbage salad with Ramen noodles), crescent roll cocktail wieners, and Caprese salad skewers, the Tassies are my dessert of choice. They are often requested by friends, family, and acquaintances who have enjoyed them.

They taste like mini pecan pies, but there is nothing special or fancy about the recipe. As a matter of fact, it came from a home party, for cooking tools, I attended years ago. My point is that they are not bakery or store-bought perfect. They are irregular and rough around the edges, but they’re still enjoyed by many.

God often uses our imperfections for His purposes. I may not be flawless or fancy, but in Christ I become useful and beloved. God’s recipe for salvation is perfect. I do not know why I struggle to create my own formula for this life, when God has already given it to me.

Often I seek wisdom, comfort, and salvation from my family, work, science, government, the cosmos, worldly possessions, or my own strength and intellect. While providing temporary relief, none of these quick fixes will ever bring the peace that so many of us long for. Christ knew our alternative options and temptations would be great, but He always brings us back home to the idea that He is the bread of life. Nothing else will quench the hunger or thirst.

Lord, remind me always that your go-to recipe for this life and eternal salvation is Christ.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO