Bargaining With God

 When life's road hits some rough spots, when the going gets a bit tough, we are tempted to try and transact business with God. We try and bargain with the Creator to get what we want. We might say things like: "God, if you'll get me out of this situation, I'll read my Bible every day!" or "God, if you'll open this door of opportunity for me, I'll never cuss again."

Really? Do we really think we can get God to do things for us this superficially? 

Yes, we do think this way. I know I do - at least for a few seconds before I figuratively slap myself in the head and get my act together.

This doesn't mean there haven't been many who fervently prayed for something and included a commitment on their part to act better in relation to God. The difference is the depth of our relationship with him.

God wants us to seek Him with our whole heart, not trying to make bargains we know we won't keep. However, if we do seek Him with all of our heart then those "bargains" we make aren't meaningless, they are life changing events. 

Be very glad it is this way. We serve a God whose nature does not change. He is eternal; from everlasting to everlasting. The pagan gods made deals with people all the time and these deals were as silly as the gods themselves. 

Our God provides stability in a fallen and decaying world. He can and does accomplish His will on Earth as it is in Heaven (see the Lord's Prayer) but it is not something that can be bought with a wink. It must be sought from the depths of your soul. 

When you encounter those trying times, remember that Jesus has already taken all of your burdens upon Himself on the Cross. He sympathizes with you and wants you to lay your burdens on Him and take up His yoke for it is much lighter and truly joyful. He will be with you no matter what. The more you keep your eye on Him, beholding Him, you will be able to withstand anything life throws at you.




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