Which Are You?

Today, I have a carrot, an egg and some coffee beans. I want to share with you an illustration of how we are all either a carrot, egg or coffee beans. First, what happens when we put a carrot in hot boiling water? That's right it turns soft like this carrot I have here. It is no longer hard but soft. Now what happens when an egg is boiled in water? That's right it has the opposite effect of the carrot. While this egg is fragile and will break if dropped, this egg now has a hard shell and is less fragile. Does anyone know what happens when we boil coffee beans? The beans not only change the color of the water but also spreads a delicious aroma. So here is how each of us are either like the carrot, egg or coffee beans. The boiling water symbolizes problems and trials in our life. The carrots, eggs, and coffee beans symbolize our different reactions to these problems or pressures. The soft carrots represent people who grumble, complain, and pity themselves when faced with problems. The hardened eggs epresent those who become stubborn, rebellious, and angry at God during tribulations. But the coffee beans represent people who obey and trust God, changing the atmosphere around them while spreading the fragrance of Christ.

So see, God offers each of us faith that is greater than any problems we may face. It doesn’t matter how big or small the problem is but what is important is how we react to the problem. Our faith determines how we will respond as we meet the challenges of daily life — as a carrot, a hard-boiled egg, or a coffee bean.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, when we find ourselves in hot water, help us to remember your grace as we tell others of our faith. Comfort and give us grateful hearts as we face trials. Whatever challenges we may face in our young lives, may we praise you always. Amen