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Odd question, but have you every burned your fingers on a blistering-hot baked potato?
I’d venture to say that if you spend any time in a kitchen, you have. Second question. What’s the first thing you do with that burn-your-fingerprints-off potato? Maybe you hurriedly toss it onto a plate or back into its dish. Perhaps you chuck it against a wall as you yelp in pain, or even lob it unintentionally towards someone close-by. Not recommended by the way!
No matter how we frantically jettison our hot potatoes, we aren’t typically inclined to retrieve them until they cool a bit. Of late, my wife and I have experienced a bevy of concerns over loved ones, family, and friends. Let’s face it; our lives are often spent trying to juggle situations that we have little control over. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I find myself praying about everything with the intent of leaving things in God’s hands to figure out, but just as quickly I allow those same issues to creep back into my mind and destroy my heavenly peace.
The other day, a timely devotional caught my wife’s attention which talked about hot potatoes. “I love hot potatoes,” I blurted. “Full-sized taters and minis. Bring ‘em on!” Following a pair of skewed wifely eyebrows, she explained the concept. “No matter the size or magnitude of our burdens, we should think of each one like a red-hot potato—where without hesitation, we toss them straight into God’s hands.”
“Great idea!” I replied. “After all, who better to handle the heat and take on our deepest heartfelt nervosities, if that’s actually a word?”Despite our banter, the underlying idea is that once you offload your hot spud, you turn away and allow God to cool the veggie. Our problem becomes his problem, and as a result, we get to experience God’s peace as we learn to trust in our Heavenly Father.
At my house, we’ve been volleying plenty of hot potatoes into God’s lap. We pray and we toss. Pray and toss. And if the hot potato comes back and threatens to burn our thoughts again with fear and worry, we pass it right back to God—however many times it takes. Did you know that God wants us to wholeheartedly trust in him and to off load each and every shard of angst into his capable hands?
Here’s a simple, comforting verse. “When doubts fill my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” (Psalm 94:19 NLT)
Not sure about you, but comfort and cheer are high on my daily list of wants.
I believe this prayer is a keeper when struggling with too many nail-biting concerns.
God of Peace, I offer You my worries, I bring You my brokenness, and I surrender my striving. As I learn to rest in Your presence, I receive Your peace. Whatever is making me fearful or anxious now, Lord, let me know that You are near. Help me to pray well, to be thankful, and to experience Your peace today. Help me to let go of my desperate need to understand everything first Lord, and guard my fragile heart. Amen
Just remember that God can handle everything in your life. He can juggle a universe of hot potato worries and he wants us to flex our pitching arms and send them his way as fast as we can.
Will you PRAY and TOSS to God my friend? It’s a far better option than burning your fingers!
Paul Smyth
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