Heaven's Bakery

When I was 19, I went to work at a bakery.  I had worked in a couple kitchens, but not a true bakery.  The baker I worked for was a German man who knew the trade inside and out.  I learned about the delicacies of pastries, the importance of proofing to make a perfect loaf – right through to how icing really is the finishing touch. 

Baking is not simple.  There has to be a plan – a recipe. There needs to be a list of the different required ingredients that must be measured, put together perfectly, mixed, baked and topped before they are ready to serve.   We would never sit down and eat the individual ingredients to a cake on their own – and think it was good.     Would you sit down and eat a cup of flour or sugar, or a couple spoons of baking powder or salt, or even a big chunk of butter or some raw eggs?  No!    What about the  mixing,  tossing,  and putting it into the oven to bake?  A cake never just happens.  But, in the right hands of a skilled baker, the most delicate and delicious cake can be made.  

 

When Jesus is working on your life, He plans nothing but the very best.

The recipe – God’s plan for our lives

Just like a cake needs a recipe,  – we also need a plan for our lives.  Without a doubt, Jesus knows the plan for each of us.   It is unique for each person. Jesus has promised it.   Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you -  declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you.  Plans to give you hope and future.”     The Israelites were in Babylonian exile – a punishment for their disobedience.  These were people going through very difficult times.   God knew their situation and reassured them that He has a plan for their future – and it would be good. God said “I know”.  He doesn’t say “I think”. “ “I hope” ….”maybe”.   He says, “I know I have a plan for you.”   He is still the same today.  He has an ultimate life recipe picked out for you and me.   Just like you know you are baking a cake and have an image of what it will look like, He gives us a picture of what he wants our end result to be.   His plans are to give hope and a future. When Jesus is working on our lives – He plans nothing but the best. 

 

The ingredients – God’s Diety

Every experience and trial you go through is another ingredient that has been added to your life for a reason.  Every part to the journey matters - no matter how small.  If you miss a ½ tsp of salt – the end baking product will not be as flavorful as it could be.  We too must go through trials big and small, while remaining faithful to Him.   Trials are not punishments, but rather opportunities for growth.   Our character can be refined.  Faith can be deepened.  Our trials can come in forms of difficult situations, hardships, sorrow, rejection ,but He wants us to use all our experiences to become more like Him. 

 

The mixing and Baking– God’s Intervention

It can get crazy and messy.  Things seem to keep coming – one thing after another.   Sometimes it feels like there is never a break.  We feel like the beaters are on full blast and just won’t stop.  What is going on? There is something good being made in Heaven’s Bakery - something special in your life.  It shows God is not done with you.   As the beaters slow down, you feel maybe just maybe things are settling.  Then comes the heat.   It can get hot – very hot – very quickly.    He has a purpose for your pain.  He has a reason for your struggle.  If you feel crushed, in darkness, under pressure, and the heat is too much, hang on, because God is moving in your life. 

 

The timing and icing – God’s Sovereignty

Don’t give up before the timer goes off.  When He says it is ready, it is going to be good.    Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  This verse doesn’t say all things are good.   It says God works all things together for our good.  So if you are in a season that doesn’t taste good, that feels like you are in a mixer getting all blended up, if you are getting tossed around, punched down, rolled, cut  and put through the fire – that means that God making you into something special – making you who He wants you to be.  His plan is perfect.  His timing is always worth the wait.   Jesus waited 30 years. Joseph waited 13 years.  Abraham waited 25 years.  Moses waited 40 years.  Wait for God’s timing.

 

The decorating – God’s Reward

We want to get to that end product – that yummy cake with sweet icing that looks and tastes so good.    Grapes are crushed to make wine.  Olives are pressed to make oil. A batter becomes a cake under extreme heat.   Just like baking, we must remember there is a process and some parts are longer and more painful than others.  Sometimes the wait is longer because the blessing is going to be bigger.  We do know it will all be right in His hands.  The masterful hands of The Baker – our Lord are always in control.  There is strength and power in His mighty hands.  There is comfort and healing.  With His hands all things are possible.  Trust Him through the process as He works miracles in your life.  The reward for the faithful is worth the bake.

His timing is always worth the wait.