Chocolate smashes represent the underdog story with conviction. The good that comes from the broken, a story of overcoming, improving, and recognizing that what comes after the storm sometimes is better than what you thought was so good to begin with.
Growing up, we always loved a good underdog story. In every big game that our favorite teams weren’t playing in, we pulled for the underdog. Frankly, a lot of times, our team WAS the underdog. It’s nice to see the “little” guy get the chance to prove themselves. And even nicer to see them take advantage of the opportunity and come prepared to play, regardless of the odds.
As we aged, we learned that there were many different ways that one could be considered “the underdog”. Being a longshot for that job callback or that corporate award was no different. Sometimes we won; sometimes we didn’t. But what we learned was that even in our most vulnerable state, 2 Corinthians 12:9 always gave us confidence. Even “losers” can have a testimony that has a far-reaching impact.
Scripture is full of underdogs that, with the strength of the Lord, exceeded all expectations. David. Esther. Daniel. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. When every modicum of strength and perseverance had been in question and the only thing left was reliance on God, it was at that point, He proved Himself to them, time and time again. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were brought before King Nebuchadnezzar and given one last chance to bow before the golden statue, their response is striking. “Our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace. But if He chooses not to deliver us, let it be known that we do not serve your gods”. Going into the fight, knowing that whatever comes next, their testimony stands. God might choose to deliver them, He might choose not to. Their actions wouldn’t change.
Later in the chapter when Nebuchadnezzar sees them in the fiery furnace: "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? Behold, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; they are not hurt and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God." Like the Son of God. He was right beside them every step of the way.
And so being the underdog, even when you lose, gives you a chance to prove yourself and His ability on a broader stage than just being “safe”. Putting yourself out there, taking the leap of faith, and being willing to overcome your fear. Because out of that opportunity, something better can come. All things can work together for good when His strength becomes the linchpin to our existence.
If you aren’t familiar with them, chocolate smashes are thin shells of hollow chocolate that are meant to be filled with candy or some other treat: the shell is meant to be broken in order to gain access to the goodies that it hides inside. Just as a chocolate smash is filled with hidden treasures, our lives are filled with blessings waiting to be discovered amidst the broken pieces. These moments of pain and challenge are the very trials that refine our character, deepen our faith, and reveal the abundance of God’s grace. It is in our brokenness that we learn to appreciate the sweetness of grace, forgiveness, and the unwavering love that He bestows upon us.
As Christians, we are reminded that it was through the broken body of Christ that redemption and salvation were granted to us. The symbolism of brokenness leading to salvation echoes in our own lives. Our shattered pieces become the vessel through which God pours out His mercy and healing, creating a masterpiece from the very fragments of our individual existences.
So, as I was setting up for my most recent chocolate pop-up, I was reminded that the broken moments in my life, the times when it felt like everything was falling apart around me – when navigated with faith and trust - led to the pathway of unexpected blessings. Out of the broken in my life, good had come. Out of those times when I felt like the cards were stacked against me; when I felt like I wasn’t up to the challenge ahead, good had come. And the reminder was strong: embrace the cracks, for it is through them that love enters, turning our broken parts into a vessel of grace and redemption. My sincere wish is that you find this same affirmation, that even as the underdog, when things have fallen apart all around you, God is working to create a work of art for His glory.
Finding Joy in Your Journey is our first in a series of Bible studies that will be released in May 2024.
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