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I’m the first to admit I’m not much of a foodie. It’s hard to impress me at a restaurant or with an elaborate dessert. When we’re at a restaurant, I prepare myself to be disappointed. Although I don’t see myself as a particularly good cook, I can usually prepare better meals at home.

A few years ago, friends Paul and Perrianne Brownback, pastors at The Abbey Church in Azle, Texas, treated my husband and me to a well-known steakhouse in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. For those who know me, it’s not easy to impress me with a steak. I don’t typically eat steaks, not because I’m a vegetarian, but because I have rarely had any exceptional ones.

They said that the steak at this restaurant received a 5-star rating. To my husband’s great surprise, I ordered a steak. I requested it be cooked medium-well and prepared myself to be disappointed because most steaks I’ve had have disappointed me. I was mentally criticizing the steak before it came: I was sure it would be too chewy, overdone, underdone, flavorless, or undesirable.

Prepared to be disappointed but this steak was different

We have known the Brownbacks since we became missionaries in 1987. Their church has consistently supported our work, and we try to connect with them whenever possible. Meeting at the restaurant this time was a great opportunity to catch up. I had prepared myself to be disappointed by a bad steak, but I quickly forgot my apprehension and thoroughly enjoyed the company instead. After a few minutes, the waiter brought bread and various condiments. It was a wonderful time, and then the steak arrived, sizzling in all its five-star glory.

I knew this steak was different the moment it was placed in front of me. It’s amazing aroma filled the air! It was cooked to perfection—not dry, chewy, or tasteless. The waiter graciously explained that various sauces were available, but I was oblivious; I wanted to savor the steak, not the sauce.

Preparing myself to be disappointed was, in this case, a waste of time.

The rest of the evening’s meal was eclipsed by this piece of amazingness! Yes, I remember the steak from the Dallas/Fort Worth area—it was worth every bite.

Another menu

Today, a few days before Good Friday, I wonder how well I am doing with what I offer those around me who need something to fill their emptiness. Is what I provide much like the bland, tough, undesirable steaks in many restaurants? Why bother with that kind of steak when they already have tough and flavorless options in their daily lives?

Many have already sampled life’s offerings and felt disillusioned. They have few reasons to expect more. However, there is another menu that we have the honor of presenting to them.

What God has to offer on His menu is unlike any other menu in this world. Things on His menu is “made to order” for every person we meet. What He offers is tender and easy to bear; it is designed to suit the needs of those who hear it. The Chef is skilled enough to cater to the most finicky of customers! Some need strength, encouragement, and a shoulder to cry on, while others need a combination of ingredients.

It’s all in the menu God has prepared: it’s “à la carte” and can satisfy every taste. Even the pickiest palate can be delighted by the amazing offerings that God prepares to perfection in His five-star establishment. No one will have to prepare themselves for disappointment.

The Chef is never too busy for you to be disappointed

How are we doing at offering His menu to the world? How well do we rate? Are our stars shining, or are God’s stars the ones that shine? We are immediately downgraded when we try to make God fit our “excellent” service ideas.

Those who serve in His Kingdom understand that effectively representing the Owner is the only way to attract those who need a meal. Unlike restaurants on Earth, God does not franchise His Word like fast food. In God’s steakhouse, there are no fast-food options or quick fixes. Everything is prepared with care to meet the needs of those placing orders, following the directives of the Chef.

The Chef is never too busy for you; He will come to your table, listen to your words, and prepare something far exceeding your expectations. Please feel free to take a seat; you’re the first person He is serving today.

He’s ready to take your order now.