Today is day 3 of rehab. The other day, I added an extra ½ mile to Cali and my daily run. On the way home, I felt a slight pain in the side of my knee. Refusing to stop and walk, I did what any other committed, type A athlete would do, I kept on running. As a result of my stubbornness, I am writing this with an ice bag on my knee.
Cali was hopeful this morning for her run. When the realization hit her that her enjoyable activity would not take place, she reverted to “the look”. “The look” is a biological gene that all dogs possess. They know how to give that pitiful and mournful expression that either makes you give in to their wants or outright laugh at them. No matter how longingly Cali stared through the door, she was not going to get her run.
Can you think of a time when you gave God “the look”? Perhaps you desperately wanted God to answer a prayer for you and you began to bargain with Him. Maybe you said something like, “God, if you do what I am asking, I promise I will become a missionary and go to Africa;” or “God, if you answer this prayer, I will never ask for anything again;” maybe you said, “God, if you answer this prayer, I will promise to go to church every Sunday.” Job 16:21 states, “O that a man might plead with God as a man with his neighbor!” (NAS).
God does not expect us to beg and bargain with Him. God’s love for us is unimaginable. He wants nothing but the best for each of us and it pleases His heart when we ask for things. There is nothing wrong with pouring our hearts out before God. In fact, He welcomes our asking and pleading. However, thinking that God is holding back a blessing until we make a bargain changes the perspective of our relationship with God. Next time you pray for something, ask yourself whether you are praying from your heart or just giving God “the look.”
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