ARE YOU COOKED?

A pressure cooker (not a crock pot) is a relatively old technology that allows certain foods to cook in less time than required by conventional methods. A pressure cooker is placed over heat and the content within the pressure cooker, cooks. The higher pressure created by the technology of the pressure cooker drastically reduces cooking time and the steam created serves to tenderize the ingredients. The image of a pressure cooker conjures up a life analogy for me. Using the simple description of a pressure cooker, people like to ‘speed things up’ (especially distasteful things) by using unconventional methods (short cuts?). The pressure cooker (your and my life), is exposed to heat (challenges, choices, decisions) and the content of our lives can get ‘cooked’. Pressure cooking does in fact “drastically reduce the cooking time and can tenderize the ingredients” (our lives).

Many technologies utilize the concept of pressure to help delivering their product. “Pressure sensors” (trusted friends) in a variety of industries are used to indicate when there is an unsafe boiling point (listen to them!); in the automotive arena the tires on our cars have ‘pressure caps’ (boundaries) that prevent a loss of air (if not ‘capped’ can result in decreased MPG); the construction industry uses ‘pressure treated wood’ (experience) to insure a greater longevity to wood that is exposed to the elements; the health industry uses ‘pressure bandages’ (healing agents, counselors) to control bleeding, minimize swelling, provide support for a broken limb and absorb fluids.

Four thoughts:

1. Pressure cooker seasons of life happen--Stop whining.

2. The 'Chief Cook' has used lesser heat in your life but you ignored the heat--Trust God.

3. If you cooperate with God you will reduce your 'cooking time'--Be Thankful.

4. The result of a pressurized season is a tenderized life--Be ready to encourage those 'being cooked'.