We used to laugh at the old joke, "did you ever read the book 40 Miles to
the Outhouse by Willie Makit, illustrated by Betty Wont?" And we would laugh,
most of us never seeing an outhouse, or knowing what one was, a long drop to our
South African friends, and most of us could associate more with Betty then
Willie. Funny names for a funny joke, and a play on words. But every day we
call on two people whom we have never met, and don't exist, Rich and Gloria.
Maybe not by name, but by need, or desire, or even greediness.
And we do it via prayer. My mother used to ask me "how did God choose to
answer one over the other when two teams each pray for a victory?" No good
answer for that one, yet we see in victory athletes praising God, they knew He
would come through. But what about the guy who didn't win, did God fail Him?
Did He not ask correctly, or loud enough? And why was he so upset with God,
when the other guy who won so pleased with God? You don't have to be a race car
driver, athlete, or businessman to ask God, maybe just hungry, tired, out of
work, broke, sick, or in need. And when we do, we often go to God after we have
hit up everyone else. Using our own resources, our own Rich and Gloria,
neglecting God's. I get many e-mail requests for money, sometimes using guilt,
"if you don't give money, I can't go to Africa where God is sending me." Like
it's my fault, that God doesn't know what He is doing, and let's not seek the
same God for guidance who gave the vision. Why would you ask a poor man for
money? A starving man for food? A cripple to carry your/my load, yet we do.
We go to Rich, and Gloria. Seeking them from man rather than from God. We
neglect the fact that it is His riches and glory that provide, His bank account
is bigger than mine, and yours combined. But yet we only go to God after all
else has failed.
Yet all the misery could be avoided if we went to Will, and asked. God's
will that is. If He knows the plans He has for us, why don't we go to Him? And
why doesn't He tell us all the details, so we can change them? God's will is
not a first draft to be improved upon, it is God's will for us, and for our
benefit. Yet we go to Rich and Gloria, instead of His riches and glory, and
neglect Will, when we need to follow His will. He knows the end from the
beginning, and the middle. So why not ask one who can supply, who has the power
and knowledge, and has the reputation of success? I can hear the excuses
now....
Sometimes we are like the man who stands up and donates a big sum of money
anonymously. We want the attention, we like being in the winners circle to draw
attention to ourselves. Yet it needs to be all about Jesus. He is the great
provider. The great physician. The only savior. He provides riches and glory
to Rich and Gloria, and Mike and Theresa, too. Seeing too much of Rich and
Gloria, and missing Will? You won't see them as much without God's Will, the
three seem to travel together. So...want more blessings? Want your needs met?
Looking for excitement? Ask God, who gives graciously, abundantly, and
lovingly. Ask for His Will, and watch as your needs are met through His riches
and glory, and you won't need to hit on Rich and Gloria anymore. And you can
ask and listen for His reply wherever you are, not just on Sunday mornings with
an "Oh I have to get up and go to church again" attitude. God knows what you
need, do you? I don't, so isn't it better to ask of Him who can provide, than
trust man, who is just like us, and in it for ourselves?
Psalms tells us that "he has never seen the righteous go hungry, or their
sons begging bread." Hungry, He is food. Thirsty, He is drink, so turn to
Him. And maybe encourage Rich and Gloria to turn to Him too, for they too will
hunger and thirst. And Willie Makit? God does every time. But on your own
Betty Wont. So why bet, when in Jesus you have a sure thing? For it is for HIS
riches and glory that all things should be done. Jesus Christ-the sure thing.
Now, you were asking?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com