Because of recent events in my life, I had to revisit something that has played a powerful role in my understanding of my relationship with God. As most things do, this started in church and my interpretation of the message again revealed a truth that God does not play games. My actual thought at the time was God was saying “I’m tired of playing games with you.” That, by itself, brought chills to yours truly.
Now this becomes more insightful (for me) as I was asked by a close friend if I thought God answered prayer. “Absolutely!” The answer just rolled off my lips without any thought at all. I believe God answers prayer when and how He wants to, when prayer is sincerely offered out of the belief that He really can. I also believe we waste our time making entreaties to God out of habit or tradition. If so, I call that false faith.
That’s the kind of stuff we do to each other. We play each other way too much. We constantly show each other the face – or faces, if you have two – of polite political correctness in an attempt to get over. We expertly manipulate people and circumstances to our desired end.
God ain’t having none of that. It’s like what my mother used to say to me when I was young and stupid” “Who you think you talking to? One of you little friends out there in them streets?” After swallowing and hoping I could get my little behind out of that particular conversation, I heard what Mom was actually saying. She was tired of my lame excuses, bad behavior and the potential lie that she could hear before I even opened my mouth.
No prayer is probably better than false prayer. No prayer is probably better than “it can’t hurt prayer.” It’s that “I’m tired of playing games with you” thing. Either you’re in a faith struggle of monumental proportions, and God recognizes you really believe in His magnificence. Or, you just can’t get your act together.
You need to recognize who you talking to. Faith is or it isn’t, don’t you know? And don’t you know that God knows? “Do you believe that I am able to do this? Yes Lord, they replied. Then He touched their eyes and said, According to your faith will it be done…” Matthew 9:28-29.
What will be done in God’s name for you today? I happen to be convinced God can do anything He desires. The trick is to make sure when He asks “You talking to me?” that the answer is loud, clear and emphatic.
