Beef Cheeks (Isaiah 43:2)

Beef cheeks are a favorite cut of meat in many different cultures. Mexicans traditionally use it in barbacoa as the main protein in tacos. French and Spanish love to cook it in a rich wine sauce. BBQ and smokers love it as it is a source of great sandwiches. In all of the many preparations, one aspect remains the same. Beef cheeks need a great deal of time to cook. It is a muscle that is rich in fat and collagen. Thus, one must cook it low and slow to break it down and render it tender and juicy. Smoking and/or braising are ideal methods and can easily take 6-12 hours. However, there is another method, high pressure.

The chef can access newer cooking appliances that can replace old-style, clunky pressure cookers. These devices can produce nearly identical results with braising in a fraction of the time, sometimes in as little as 45 minutes. I have tried traditional braising and pressure cookers and can attest that the results are the same.

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty,

you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)

In our spiritual lives, God uses challenges to help us to grow. Some are high-pressure situations such as car accidents or natural disasters. Others are low-pressure, like a traffic jam or a bout with the flu. Whether the challenge is over in a few hours or a few years, if we have faith in God, the result is the same. God is in control. 

But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.

For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside.

Job 23:10-11 (NLT)

When we cling to God, we will always be assured 

Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.