Sometimes we treat God as a vending machine. We assume that if we do all the right things and say all the right things, we can press a magic spiritual button and get whatever it is we desire in the moment.
We believe that if we do what we think God wants, we are entitled to a good life.
Our kids will always be healthy.
We will always have money in the bank.
Our relationships will always be peaceful.
The problem is, life just doesn’t work that way!
Sometimes even though we are doing all the “right things” bad things still happen.
Our child still gets diagnosed with cancer.
We still go bankrupt.
Our marriage still falls apart.
When we are faced with these circumstances we need to remember one thing:
God is still with us even though it may not feel that way!
Now, this does not mean that all our pain is immediately going to disappear. Pete Wilson in his book “Plan B” puts it this way. He says:
And yes, even when you’re going through all that, God is still with you. But don’t think that means it takes away your pain, anger, disappointment, and loss in that moment. Don’ think you won’t feel the sting of injustice (pg. 92).
So, if knowing God’s there doesn’t ease our pain or solve our problems or answer our questions, how does it help us?
This is how Pete Wilson answers this question. He says:
At the end of the day, I think that is what so many of us long for. We just want and need to need to know that God knows what’s going on with us, that we haven’t been forgotten or abandoned. Even if we don’t know what the outcomes of our current circumstances will be, there is a tremendous peace and comfort that comes with that (pg. 93).
We need to remember that God is with us. Right now. Right this moment.
We need to allow this truth to sink in and let it bring strength and courage and peace and comfort to our lives.
We need to chose to believe this truth no matter what.
We need to stop grabbing for what we think we are owed and live each moment with gratitude.
Instead of griping that God isn’t living up to your expectations, that he isn’t meeting your needs the way you think they should be bet, that he isn’t answering your prayers with a vending machine whoosh … you can make the choice to receive what he is offering you in the moment. The comfort of realizing that he knows what you’re going through. The hope of realizing he really does know what he’s doing (pg. 98).
Have you ever treated God like a vending machine? Does knowing that God is with you no matter what give you peace and comfort despite your circumstances?
This is a continuation to my book club discussions of Pete Wilson’s book “Plan B”. This week I read Chapter 7: What have you done for me lately? If you have a response, please add it below and add to the discussion. Whether you’ve read the chapter or not, please share your thoughts!
Hi Kevin! I LOVE Pete Wilson’s book, “Plan B.” I promise I have probably read it about 50 times!!!! AND I love your post here! So encouraging and full of Truth!
Thought you’d like this quote from Daniel Henderson’s “Transforming Prayer” :
“Prayer is not asking God to do my will. It is bringing myself into conformity with His will. It is asking Him to do His will and to give me the grace to enjoy it.”
Blessings brother,
Cherie
That is an awesome quote Cherie!
Thanks for sharing!
When I first became a Christian I did.
But not now.
I think it is a trap that a lot of Christians (young and old) fall prey to.
Thanks for sharing Michael!
I love this post and the photo is great. When I teach about prayer I often use the expression that we treat God like a vending machine. It is a great visual and one many people are not even aware of that they do. thanks for a great post
Thanks for sharing Jean!
I believe we have all at times treated God like a vending machine and if we only pull the right lever or follow the right path through the maze we will be rewarded for our good works.
If we are rewarded for our works though it is no longer grace but a debt to be paid….and do we really want God to give us what we deserve apart from Christ?
Great points Luther!
Thanks for sharing!