Tortured Bananas

While watching a food show one day, my husband saw the host wielding a blow torch for the purpose of caramelizing a dessert. Of course, from his vantage point, he saw a very cool toy and just needed an excuse to buy one. So, in the name of sacrifice and dedication to my love of sweets, he set out to the nearest home improvement store to acquire a blow torch suitable to his needs. In my mind, anything that is purchased in the home improvement store (other than a major appliance) is not fit for playing in the kitchen, but he saw things quite differently.

Now that he was armed, he needed something to caramelize (read: torch). He decided to test his abilities on some unsuspecting bananas. He sprinkled a little sugar on them, lit his torch (as we all took cover) and he was on his way to discovering one of our family’s favorite desserts. We never named his coveted recipe, until recently. My daughter who has a refreshing way with words, asked him to make her some “tortured bananas” – named in honor of the now infamous blow torch. My husband and I had to restrain audible belly laughs realizing that she really meant to say “torched bananas”, which of course was really just as funny. Nonetheless, the name has stuck and we love to eat tortured bananas.

As I thought of the process of torturing those bananas that transformed them into a delicious treat, I thought about my life. While I’m certain God doesn’t torture us, I do think that He sometimes allows tests in our life that feel like torture. However, we can rest assured that He’s got His eye on us and won’t let us scorch under the intense heat. Just as my husband has to watch carefully that the bananas don’t burn, so too God has His protecting hand over us. And, if we allow His work in our life, we can be transformed and exude delicious character and beauty in our life. I challenge you to embrace your trials, look for God’s guiding hand and be transformed in His image. Oh what a delight you’ll be to Him and those around you!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4

Cindy Schufflebarger
Author and Speaker
www.cindyshufflebarger.com