Where's the switch?

There have been many times in my life where I've wished that God operated like a light switch. Do you need healing? Flip the switch. Money? Flip the switch. A new job? A relationship fixed up brand new? Help on a test? Flip the switch.

I've wanted God to operate on a 'cause and effect' basis. I do something, and then God responds by giving me what I need.

But that's called religion.

Religion is a 'cause and effect' view of God. It's impersonal. It's unloving. Do you need financial blessings? Make sure that you tithe. Do you need your kids to grow up into loving adults? Make sure that you take them to church every Sunday. Do you want your prayers answered? Then 'toe the line,' son, and get a haircut.

But that's not God.

I've recently discovered that when we come to God, we come bankrupt. And He gives to us simply because He is good. Have you ever experienced that extremely humbled feeling when someone pays for your car repairs because you can't?

Or, have you ever purchased food with food stamps?

Or, somebody pays your bill because you just don't have the money?

You feel bankrupt. Helpless. Undeserving. Humbled to the point of emptiness. And, yet, you stretch out your hand and take the gift. You know that you can't repay it. But, you also know that you need it.

And, so you LET somebody else pay your way.

They smile. They know its hard for you. And, there's no judgment in their eyes. It's okay. Inside, you're so happy that the need is met. Yes, you're a little angry at yourself for not being able to pay your own way. Yes, your pride is shot. But, you're happy.

"Thank you!" you say. 'You have no idea how much this means,' you finish in your head, silently to yourself.

They smile as if they understand.

You get in the car, and you cry. "Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Jesus!" And there's no thought of repayment. You know that you can't. You just receive.



Now, that's how you get things from God. It's not a bartering. It's a humbling. It's letting the most loving Person in the world pay to have your need met. It will leave you breathless from tears, and feeling bankrupt of self-sufficiency.

And, when you lie down on your bed at night, tears will roll down your face.

"Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus."

It's the key to receiving from God.