This morning I was able to do something I haven’t managed to do in a long time: I cooked breakfast for my family on a school/work day. (Please don’t judge me if you’re able to feed your family a warm meal everyday and still begin your own daily duties on time. Personally, I’m only able to make it happen on weekends and on days off from work!*)  There was plenty of food in the breakfast room, and yet no one made time to eat it…except the dog and me.  We were not going to let it go to waste!

In spite of the availability of warm food in the kitchen, the breakfast only benefits those who choose to eat it. To me, that’s a simple yet profound thought. My devotional this morning was from Psalm 34, which includes the verse “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (verse 8) Do you see the connection?

God is good and offers us access to life in abundance both here and for all eternity through Jesus Christ. Sometimes we say we believe it yet we don’t take the time to “taste” God’s goodness. We go to church, maybe even read our Bibles occasionally, but never truly embrace with boldness the difficult decisions of the Christian faith.

Maybe we’re unsure about the truthfulness of God’s Word and the value of living life according to the plans contained therein. For whatever reason, we’ve become disenfranchised with Christianity and have settled into the easier habit of living according to worldly ways.

What if, instead of only accepting the easy parts of the Christian life or waiting for undeniable conviction to come, we just took a bite of breakfast?  Do you know what I mean? What if we simply took God at His Word, confessed our sinful nature and need for Him, began not only reading but also trusting His Word and living in the power of His Presence and promises?

As we take one step at a time toward our loving Heavenly Father, I’ve found that He truly provides “grace upon grace” (John 1:16) and reveals Himself more fully with each step in His direction. It’s not always easy–in fact, oftentimes it is very difficult to live counter-culturally–but, personally, I have no regrets and long for grace to be more like Jesus. I have so far to go!

If God is sovereign and God is love as His Word declares, how can we go wrong by trusting His plan for our lives? May we all decide to take the next bite, for when we do I have no doubt that we will “taste and see that the Lord is good.”

*In full disclosure, this was written originally on November 20, 2015, when apparently I actually cooked breakfast for my family.  Today, I’ve had a cup of tea, sent my daughter on her way with applesauce and peanut butter crackers, and my poor husband is just on his own:-(