Vending machines can be a blessing, if they work. When they fail to function, it is an entirely different story. The worst experience is the glass-front machine that gives a full view of its operation. We deposit our money, make our selection, and watch the mechanism come to life. If all goes well, our selection is pushed over the precipice to the bin below for our retrieval. On occasion, the confection moves forward, only to stop short of the edge, remaining ensnared within the mechanism where it hangs precariously in vending-space. Banging on the glass, shaking the machine, and talking to it have no influence other than to encourage our rising frustration. In a final act of surrender we repeatedly push the coin return, hoping the mechanical bandit will have a change of heart and return our money. However, our investment is safely tucked away in its inner vault, never to be seen again. Defeated we walk away grumbling, to ourselves and any other person who happens to be in the vicinity, how this is not suppose to happen.
People can have the same experience with God. We approach Him as though He worked through the same simple cause and effect concept of vending machines. We know there is an initial investment expected to make possible our desires, so we pray, worship, give our offering, even fast, and then wait for God to respond. However, sometimes nothing happens. Our concern is seemingly ensnared somewhere between here and heaven. Confused, we approach God with greater fervor, but still no result. Frustration sets in. What have we done to lose God’s favor? Is it a lack of faith? Didn’t God say, with faith, we could even move mountains (Mt. 17:20)? But we obviously cannot move Him. In our assessment of God’s malfunction, we overlook the basic fact that God will do nothing outside of His will. No amount of coaxing, manipulation or coercion can change this.
This was a distinction between Israel and their pagan neighbors. Their approach to God could not be the same. Much of the worship exercised among the pagans of the Old Testament was little more than magic rituals designed to manipulate the gods. By saying certain phrases or performing specific acts, they believed they could coerce their deities to do their bidding. But God refuses such manipulations. He can be invoked to act according to His will, but never according to ours, unless the two agree.
There are some today who have revived these ancient magic rituals, by teaching, if we claim a promise before God; He has no other alternative but to respond in faithfulness. If we believe something should happen, then God must honor the faith and make it happen. These “Name it and Claim it” or “Profess it and Possess it” attitudes have more to do with pagan ritual than obedient, loving, worship. After all, God calls us to seek His will, not to enforce our own. I have found, that despite my desires toward a certain issue, it is always best to follow God’s will in regards to our lives. The result may not be the immediate gratification that we seek, but like most vending machine foods, it is probably best that we never receive what we selected. It seldom does us any good.
The next time God denies a request, do not blame the mechanism without first determining His will. Remember, God answers prayer in one of four ways: “Yes”, “No”, “Wait”, or “I have a better idea”. No matter which one He uses, it is always His way, and always for the best.
Pastor Mark
