Speaker: Darlene Sala | Series: Encouraging Words | People still talk about a sermon illustration my Dad used many years ago. As people walked into church that Sunday morning, they saw a small table sitting beside the pulpit. On it were some small food cartons, a bowl, a measuring cup and a large spoon.  What in the world was all of this doing in church?

When it came time for the sermon, he first held up the measuring cup and a small package of flour, then asked as he poured the flour into the cup, “Who would volunteer to come up here and eat these two cups of flour?” No one responded. He teased them a little: “Why, everyone knows that many delicious things we eat contain flour.  This is the best flour.  Come on, someone come and eat these two cups of flour.”  Still no one responded.

Then he held up a container of cocoa and began pouring it into the measuring cup.  “Well, will someone come and eat this cup of good cocoa?” Again no one volunteered—not even the children.

Next he offered some shortening. No takers.

“How about a couple teaspoons of vanilla?” No one responded.

His text for the morning’s sermon was Romans 8:28: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The application was obvious.

Often things happen to believers as we walk through life which, when viewed by themselves, just don’t make sense—and sometimes don’t taste too good.  But when mixed together—well, just wait!

At this point my Mom walked out onto the platform carrying a scrumptious-looking chocolate cake.  Ummmm—good!

So, don’t look at just one negative incident in your life and allow fear to grip you. If you are God’s child, loving Him and called according to His purpose, you can be sure He will work this together with the surrounding circumstances for your good.

God knows how to make delicious chocolate cakes!