God is not a vending machine. and yet we often treat him as though he is.
we stick our money in and punch the buttons and expect to get exactly what we ordered. and what we ordered is often just junk. and sometimes God withholds this junk from us. so we proceed to throw our fit. we think if we can just find the right formula or punch the right buttons or put in some more money or kick and scream loud enough that our much coveted stuff will fall into our hands.
but let us not be mistaken. unlike some vending machines that you can kick in just the right spot to get them to cooperate, our God will not be manipulated. but here's the thing: we don't need to manipulate him. He is not a vending machine; He is a good and loving Father. we don't need to put in more money or pray the right prayer or find the magic formula. all we have to do is ask. He is standing there with hands wide open to meet our every need and to bless us beyond our wildest dreams.
now this does not mean that He will give us everything we want. just like I don't give my children everything they want because I know what's good for them and what's not. I withhold the junk because I love them. but when we have a need, or even a desire, all we have to do is ask. and He may not always say yes, or do things the way I expect, but talking to a loving Father is a lot better than kicking and screaming at a big metal box.
Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."
Luke 11:11-13 "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who will ask him?"
James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."
