This week, I want to share a story I stumbled upon. It’s a beautiful parable often featured in motivational talks, and it also holds profound biblical meaning when viewed through the perspective of Scripture.
Potatoes, Eggs, and Coffee Beans… Author Unknown.
Once upon a time a daughter complained to her father that her life was miserable and that she didn’t know how she was going to make it. She was tired of fighting and struggling all the time. It seemed just as one problem was solved, another one soon followed.
Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen. He filled three pots with water and placed each on a high fire. Once the three pots began to boil, he placed potatoes in one pot, eggs in the second pot, and ground coffee beans in the third pot.
He then let them sit and boil, without saying a word to his daughter. The daughter, moaned and impatiently waited, wondering what he was doing.
After twenty minutes he turned off the burners. He took the potatoes out of the pot and placed them in a bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl.
He then ladled the coffee out and placed it in a cup. Turning to her he asked. “Daughter, what do you see?”
“Potatoes, eggs, and coffee,” she hastily replied.
“Look closer,” he said, “and touch the potatoes.” She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. Its rich aroma brought a smile to her face.
“Father, what does this mean?” she asked.
He then explained that the potatoes, the eggs and coffee beans had each faced the same adversity– the boiling water.
However, each one reacted differently.
The potato went in strong, hard, and unrelenting, but in boiling water, it became soft and weak.
The egg was fragile, with the thin outer shell protecting its liquid interior until it was put in the boiling water. Then the inside of the egg became hard.
However, the ground coffee beans were unique. After they were exposed to the boiling water, they changed the water and created something new.
“Which are you,” he asked his daughter. “When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a potato, an egg, or a coffee bean? “
Moral: In life, things happen around us, things happen to us, but the only thing that truly matters is what happens within us.
The potato, egg, and coffee beans symbolize how individuals react differently to the same challenges: Which one are you?
Potato: sturdy at first, but softens when tested. Egg: delicate at first, but toughens under pressure. Coffee bean: changes the circumstances, turning challenges into something fresh and even life-enriching. The moral is that adversity itself is not the true test—it’s how we allow it to shape us from the inside.
The Bible often teaches that trials and challenges reveal the true state of our hearts and can either weaken us, harden us, or refine us for God’s glory.
1. The Potato – Weakening under trial
Matthew 13:20-21: But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.“
The seed falling on rocky ground symbolizes someone who hears the word and is immediately joyful, but without a strong foundation, they don’t endure for long. When challenges or hardships arise because of the word, they quickly give up. Similarly, like a potato, some people start off strong but lose their resilience under pressure.
2. The Egg – Hardening under trial.
Hebrews 3:8: “Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation (rebellion), in the day of temptation in the wilderness:” Some people, rather than growing in faith, allow suffering to make them bitter, distant, or closed off from God and others.
The Coffee Bean – Transforming the trial.
Romans 12:21: “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
2 Corinthians 4:8-9: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; Like a coffee bean, a true follower of Christ can embrace trials as opportunities to transform not only themselves but also their environment, creating something sweet and life-giving.
This story symbolizes spiritual growth through challenges: hardships reveal whether our faith is weak like a potato, hardened like an egg, or surrendered like coffee, becoming a testimony. The “coffee bean” mindset reflects Christ, who not only endured suffering but turned it into redemption for the entire world. Isaiah 53:5 says, “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.“
The lesson is that adversity isn’t the real test—it’s how we let it shape us internally. We all face trials and challenges in life. Our hope lies in having a relationship with Christ. So, ask yourself: “Which one are you—the potato, the egg, or the coffee beans?” If you seek God’s guidance, building a relationship with Him is essential. Maybe it’s time to reconnect and walk with the Lord once more.
Tell God you believe His Son, Jesus, paid for your sins and rose from the grave. Let Him know you’re sorry and want to live for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes, give you everlasting life with Him, and place His Spirit deep within your heart. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” and Romans 10:9 tells us, ”that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;“
Always remember God’s promise… And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31:8
May God Bless. Bob.
Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I’m not an expert or associated with any religious organization—just a follower of my Lord Jesus Christ. These are simply my personal thoughts and observations. My hope is that I’ve sparked some ideas for you to reflect on. There’s one place where all the answers to life can be found, and that guide is commonly known as the Bible. If you’re seeking answers, all you need to do is read. If you’d like me to pray with you or share your thoughts, feel free to email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com or use the form below.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
