Searing Meat & Trials (1 Peter)

This one is a bit longer than usual, but don’t miss the last point as it’s a game changer.

          We moved into our new home a few years back. One of the attractions was the outdoor kitchen with a grill which has an infrared searing burner. As you can imagine, I was excited to use the grill but I had to first learn how to use the searing burner. 

     Now, I’ve always heard that the searing process is required because it seals in the juices which makes the steak more flavorful. I’ve now come to learn that is only a myth. In fact, one scientist tested that theory and concluded a steak that is seared actually has less juices than one that is not seared.  

So, what exactly does searing do then?

     Searing is a technique used to cook meats at a high temperature in order to create a caramelized crust. Caramelizing, or the “Maillard Reaction,” is the process during which the natural amino acids and sugars move to the surface of the meat and creates a flavorful crust.

     This reaction occurs in meats heated to temperatures between 300 and 500 degrees F. This reaction creates a crust on the meat and is what causes that very flavorful and wonderful crusty surface creating that great taste. 

     As you know, I used to turnaround distressed companies (I’m now working with companies in a strategic growth mode). When you are in a turnaround situation, things are going to be very stressful and incredibly tense most of the time.

     So when I started looking into how searing works it was no surprise that I began to see a strong similarity between searing a steak and my life while working on a turnaround. In my research I remembered the opening verses of 1 Peter. 

     I will not be able to adequately express what I’ve learned, but I will do my best to express what I’ve discovered in hopes that it will somehow help you, should you find yourself in the midst of a tough situation. Let’s focus on 1 Peter chapter 1 verses 1-9, specifically verses 6 and 7.  

Though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  

     Let’s go back to searing for a minute. Searing is the process during which the natural amino acids and sugars move to the surface of the meat and create a flavorful crust. 

     Two things come to mind about that process. The first is the amino acids and sugars move to the surface.  

     In order for something to move it has to first exist. The people to whom Peter was writing had to already have a deep and strong relationship with Christ way before they ever faced their trials. 

     You can’t wait until you are facing a trial to start building a strong relationship with Christ. If you do, it will probably be too late because you won’t have the foundation you need to keep your eyes on Him. Instead, you will likely be overwhelmed by your circumstances and completely miss seeing what God is doing. 

     I’ve been in and out of that cycle so many times over the years. There have been times I’ve felt I was in way too deep and couldn’t see anything but the pressures I was facing. Other times, I’ve seen very clearly where God is at work and has invited me to be part of that work. As grounded as I am in my faith, I still face that tension at times. 

     It’s that same tension that draws out my faith and the hope I have in Christ to refocus my mind and to give me the strength to move ahead. 

     It’s what Paul is referring to when he says, Though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials. 

     If necessary. I don’t think I ever want to get to the point where it’s not necessary to learn more. Peter learned that lesson when Christ showed His glory to him and the other two Apostles on the mountain and Peter suggested they pitch tents and just stay right there because it was good. Think about how much Peter and the rest of us would have missed out on if they had just stayed where they were comfortable. 

     As much as I hate trials, I don’t ever want to get to the point where I think this is good enough. At least as it pertains to my walk with Christ. 

     That brings me to the second part of the searing process, the formation of a crust. 

     When faced with adversity, our natural tendency is self-preservation. When we are attacked we will either fight or flee. Both reactions are driven by the same goal…to protect ourselves. 

     The searing process creates a caramelized crust. When we think of a crust, we typically think of a hard coating that protects and contains. This is why people think searing steak causes the juices to be retained. 

     But that is not what is actually happening. The crust formed by searing meat creates a flavorful crust. Not a crust that protects or contains something, but rather a crust that is flavorful and desiring.  

     Listen to what Peter said, Though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 

     Peter was writing to a group of people who were under extreme persecution by Nero who had them placed on poles and burned to light up his courtyard. He also had them clothed in animal skins and placed them in arenas to be devoured by wild beasts to entertain his guest. This was a horrible, most evil person and Peter tells those being persecuted under Nero that their trials would result in praise, glory and honor of Christ Jesus.  

     When we go through trials, people watch. They want to see how we will respond to the pressure, how we will treat others, and from where we draw our strength and our hope. 

     Trials pull to the surface our deep relationship with Christ and forms a crust of hope and strength that others will desire and long for. 

     Peter said we will be tested, so that our faith will be shown as genuine so that Christ will be glorified, honored, and praised.  

     When you think of someone who is hurting, confused, living without hope, there is nothing more flavorful than the healing found at the cross, nothing more desirable than the overwhelming revelation of the love of Christ and the hope found in him. 

One last point, Peter said,

“Though now for a little while…”

     When you sear meat timing is everything. If you pull the meat too early the crust is not properly formed. If you leave it too long, all the juices will be drawn out of the meat and it will become dry and tasteless. You may even burn the meat. 

     Our trials are very similar. God knows exactly how long we need to be in the trial in order for His purpose to be achieved. 

     I’ve been through this many times. In every instance, God has worked through me to touch many lives. Marriages have been saved, some without hope have found hope in Christ, relationships with Christ have been strengthened, and my own walk has gotten deeper than it ever could have had I not gone through the trial. 

     Intense trial are just that, intense. They are confusing, difficult, and at times overwhelming. The only way we will be able to get through them is to stay focused on Christ and to constantly remind ourselves that our trials will not only strengthen our relationship with Christ, they will draw others to Him and bring glory, honor and praise to Him as well. 

Searing (trials) brings out that which is deep within us to form a crust that others will long to have