Seeking Perfection
Just so you know, it is possible to have a good enlightening conversation with Jesus about anything, even popcorn. I popped some in my microwave with hardly any salt, less butter than usual and timed it for a 3.35-minute pop time. There was a small amount that was overdone. I did a quick taste test, and it was fine. I was debating with myself what I could do differently so next time I would have perfect popcorn and absolutely no overdone popcorn.
Jesus Had Questions
Jesus was listening. Why are you eating the overdone pieces instead of the nice fluffy ones? I recognized right away this must be Jesus. 1. I don’t usually ask myself questions about things that appear to be unimportant. 2. Jesus is famous for asking questions when He is teaching. I explained I would probably not eat the whole tub I popped and there would be less overdone popcorn for my family. I asked if it was okay to eat overdone popcorn? I was answered with another question. Do you think your worthy to eat the best of the popcorn? I pondered the question and affirmed I was worthy to eat the best of the popcorn. I began to ponder other possibilities. I could eat only the best popcorn and leave the overdone popcorn for others, but that felt wrong in my very soul, and I couldn’t go against my own soul. I could pick out the overdone pieces and throw them away, but that bothered me almost as much as leaving them for other people to eat. I had been raised to not waste food that was eatable. I was asked if I would pick out and toss the overdone popcorn if it did not taste good? Of course, I answered immediately. I had plenty of popcorn that I could cook and eat if something tastes bad.
Digging Deeper
I waited for an explanation for all of the questions. There was only silence. I remembered I felt a little prick in my heart during some of the questions. I realized I needed to get some paper and look more closely at what Jesus was teaching me. I knew I had to go back and see how I felt when I was being questioned.
I was a tiny bit worried when Jesus started asking questions. He is God after all. I was worried if eating overdone popcorn was wrong or offensive to God. I bet there are plenty of people out there in the world that would be disgusted and condemn me for eating overdone popcorn. I can see how my first reaction might be to worry a little, because sometimes I forget Jesus is not like other people. He does not condemn. Even if I am wrong. He simply points out what I need to change and helps me overcome what I need to change. Jesus always has my best interest at heart. An example, on February 26, 2024, during a quiet listening prayer, Jesus told me to not be jaded. I never felt condemned, and He is helping me overcome a jaded perspective.
I am Worthy
When I was asked if I felt I was worthy to eat the best of the popcorn, I was again worried a little. I had to ponder the question for a moment and examine my feelings. I have had in the past feelings of unworthiness that Jesus had helped me deal with. As I looked inwardly, I could affirm I felt worthy. I even recognized I felt worthy because Jesus had taught me, I am worthy. He saw me as worthy and expected me to not see my own self through the eyes of self-condemnation. He continually reminds me there is no condemnation to those that are in Christ Jesus.
Imperfections
When I saw the possibility of throwing away the overdone popcorn even though it was eatable, I was concerned keeping it could be wrong. Deep in my subconscious I could now see was a worried thought that God might hate imperfections. Was imperfection the same as sin? That raised an even bigger question. What did I think sin was? I knew what I thought sin was. However, I felt I needed to double check my belief was in line with Scripture. According to the Bible in (1 John 3:4) it is the transgression of the law of God and disobedience to God. There can be a sin of commission (doing sin) or a sin of omission (not doing good). I rested easy after affirming what sin was. I realized that I had looked it up to confirm I had the perfect answer for God. I had no idea that subconsciously I felt imperfection was sin. I was shocked that my subconscious was not in line with my conscious belief.
Opportunities
I have struggled with imperfections and my strong desire for myself, others and things (even popcorn) to be perfect. I thought Jesus had finished helping me deal with that struggle, but now I can see that he needed to go deeper as He continues to heal me in that area. I was just about to ask Jesus what I could learn from this shocking revelation, when Jesus brought to my mind what he had been teaching me that morning about my weaknesses. Our weaknesses are made strong in Christ (2 Cor 12:10). I realized he was using the popcorn to continue the teachings on human imperfections and weaknesses. I was beginning to see that our imperfections are opportunities for Christ to provide Himself, to replace our weakness.
Trusting God
The last question Jesus had asked me, was if I would be willing to toss out the overdone popcorn if it taste bad. My answer had been a quick, of course I would. I had plenty of popcorn I could cook. I had thought it was a silly question, because Jesus had to know I had an extra bag purchased. Having enough popcorn is important to me. That question was bittersweet emotionally for me. It made me glade I could afford to keep my popcorn in stock, which had not always been possible. I was grateful to God for seeing me through the lean years in my life where popcorn would have been substituted for something more practical. I realized I was not just grateful, but also a little sad for those I love and are praying for, those that are struggling because of the economy and their jobs. I realized I needed to let go of the sadness and trust God was working on my prayers. He has reminded me again, that He loves them more than I do.
Lord God Almighty, I thank You that You are our provider and are always working on our prayers. Please sanctify us in Your essence in the name of Christ Jesus and be glorified. You know what is important to us and how to even use small things in our lives like popcorn to remind us we are loved. You remind us that Your love for us is unconditional and without condemnation. You take our weaknesses and use them as opportunities to provide Yourself as our strength. Please remind us, Your beloved children, how You are still working on our prayers. You know our needs. You will not stop moving on our prayer, until You have accomplished what You have promised. Thank you, Jesus. In Your holy name be glorified through our testimony. Amen
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