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 that 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 that I would probably not eat the whole tub I popped, and there would be less overdone popcorn for my family. I asked, “Is it okay to eat overdone popcorn?” I was answered with another question, “Do you think you are worthy to eat the best of the popcorn?” I pondered the question and affirmed I could eat the best of the popcorn. I began to consider other possibilities. I could eat only the best popcorn and leave the overdone popcorn for others, but that felt wrong in my 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 others to eat. I had been raised not to waste edible food. I was asked if I would pick out and toss the overdone popcorn if it tasted bad. “Of course.”, I answered immediately. I had plenty of popcorn that I could cook and eat if something tasted bad.
Digging Deeper
I waited for an explanation for all of the questions. There was only silence. 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 concerned if eating overdone popcorn was wrong or offensive to God. I bet plenty of people in the world 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. Jesus points out what I need to change and helps me overcome what I need to change without condemnation. Jesus always has my best interests at heart. For example, on February 26, 2024, during a quiet listening prayer, Jesus told me not to be jaded. I never felt condemned, and He is helping me overcome a jaded perspective.
I am Worthy
I was again a little worried when asked if I felt worthy to eat the best of the popcorn. I had to ponder the question for a moment and examine my feelings. In the past, I have had feelings of unworthiness that Jesus has helped me deal with. As I looked inwardly, I could affirm I felt worthy. I even recognized that I felt worthy because Jesus taught me that I was worthy. He saw me as worthy and expected me not to see myself through the eyes of self-condemnation. He continually reminds me that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.
Imperfections
When I saw the possibility of throwing away the overdone popcorn, even though it was edible, I was concerned that keeping it could be wrong. Deep in my subconscious, I now see 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 needed to double-check that my belief aligned 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 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 did not align with my conscious beliefs.
Opportunities
I have struggled with imperfections and my strong desire to be perfect for myself, others, and things (even popcorn). 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. 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 tasted bad. My answer had been 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 glad I could afford to keep my popcorn in stock, which was not always possible. I was grateful to God for seeing me through the lean years, where popcorn would have been substituted for something more practical. I realized I appreciated that I was not struggling to afford non-essential items, and I am a little sad for those still struggling through their lean years. I realized I needed to let go of my sadness and trust that God was working on my prayers for them. He has reminded me again that He loves those I love more than I do.
Lord God Almighty, I thank You for being our provider and constantly working on our prayers. Please sanctify us in You in the name of Christ Jesus and be glorified. You know what is important to us and how to use small things in our lives, like popcorn, to remind us we are loved. Jesus, you walk with us through our lean years and years of plenty, teaching us who we are in You. 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
© Rebecca 2024, GrandmaCanLearn.com Blog, All Rights Reserved—2025 revision.
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