I can't handle the heat!

I made some yummy, yummy chicken enchiladas this week. They were filled with moist chicken, Monterrey jack cheese, smothered in a green chili enchilada sauce and sour cream.


I love to cook and more than that, I love to eat!!


I was so excited to have enchiladas with my family. When I sat down my enchiladas didn't feel very warm so I heated them up in the microwave. The first bite was all that I had hoped it would be. Warm and gooey, definitely not low calorie. In all of it's yumminess it was also the perfect temperature.

I quickly loaded up my fork with the second bite. Everything seemed fine until I realized that the enchilada was blazing hot inside. Apparently the microwave had made a hot spot inside the enchilada. This excessive heat was now burning my mouth. Instead of spitting it out I had the idea to just blow on it while it was still in my mouth. I began the very mature and elegant style of sucking in air to cool it down. I felt like I was doing a Lamaze breathing exercise!

Unfortunately for me, I sucked air in very quickly and swallowed the steaming enchilada.


It felt like liquid fire sliding and scorching down my throat until it was extinguished in the ocean of my stomach! I know you think I am exaggerating but the next day my throat was still aching. I burned my throat all because I thought that I could handle the heat!

This silly situation made me think of how it relates to struggles I have in my life with Christ.

1.Getting to close to the fire!
I was so eager to eat the enchilada that I did not count the cost or feel it to see if it was too hot. I persisted even when I knew it was dangerously hot!


each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:14-15


2. Taking my eyes off of Jesus
I was in gluttony land and not really thinking about anything but getting what I wanted. My food!

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. I Peter 5:8

3. Following my way and not God's way
I had an opportunity to not get hurt if I would have changed the situation and spit out my food.


Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2Timothy 2:22

Where do you find yourself today?

The great news is that Jesus has told us that we are not alone! You don't have to handle the heat by yourself.

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.         John 14:26-27

Father, Forgive me for getting too close to the fire! Help me to follow your ways and not my own, to turn from things that are not in your plan and to keep my eyes always on you. Jann