“I pray to God but it doesn’t work.”
Tales are told of Aladdin’s lamp, that if found and rubbed, a genie will appear and grant three wishes. Most people’s first wish is for lots of riches.
The second wish may be used to provide some beautiful or handsome companion. The third wish is usually for …three more wishes.
The wise person would keep the lamp and at a time of need, use it to bail them out. Then they would put the lamp aside (back pocket) until another crisis.
Too often, prayers to God are sort of used in the same fashion. We sort of believe a little that God is powerful and resourceful.
We live our lives having nothing to do with Him, until a crisis.
We call Him up to get what we immediately want, usually help, and then put Him aside till we want something more.
Just as the genie in a lamp is a myth, so are prayers to an ignored God.
Don’t be surprised if they don’t work.
God is not a genie but one who desires to be in relationship with you as a loving Father. If some kid on the street walked up to me and asked me to treat him to McDonalds, take in a movie, with popcorn, and then buy him some new things, I would say, Who are you?
You have nothing to do with me and you walk up and ask me for your wants?
Now if my son asks me the same things, because of relationship I make it ha,ppen. (We’ll see if he reads this article and tries this out.) We can have a relationship with God as a loving Father, not just lots of religious duties and rules.
It is possible by a simple act of faith. Many believe we are children of God, which is not true. We are God’s creation but God Himself in the Bible says we need to be born into His family. John 1:12: Yet to all who received him, (Jesus Christ) to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 3:3: Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
What’s amazing is we can have God as friend and provider.
We do not have to worry about what we will eat or what we will wear, for with Him, He promises to provide our basic needs. In addition, He can and has blessed beyond the basics for many people. We don’t have to do life alone.
We can have prayers answered in crisis.
If we continue to live life our own way with total disregard for God, Jesus Christ and ignore the guidance of the Bible, do not be surprised that prayers don’t work.
Change it all with one prayer: inviting Jesus Christ into your life.
Greg Dalman is senior pastor at Maple Ridge Alliance Church.