He can’t be bargained with

Have you ever promised to do something for The Lord if He would grant your request? I have. At the end of 1998, after my father had three colon surgeries, the doctors told us that the cancer had spread and there was nothing they could do for him. Our family, including myself, was devastated by the news. So, because I didn’t know any better, I began to bargain with God. I

promised God that if He could cure my father, I would do anything for Him. But unfortunately, the fear and pain of losing my beloved father were too much for me to bear.

In my ignorance, I believed that God and I had agreed. But unfortunately, my father died three months later and went to be with the Lord.

I felt so angry and betrayed by God that I turned away from Him. How can I trust a God who didn’t keep His promise? The truth is that God never promised me anything. It was I who was pleading with God to heal my father. Years later, I discovered the truth of who God was. He was a loving, caring, faithful Father who loved my father and me.

But He was also God. God doesn’t respond to demands, and I can’t persuade Him to do what I want. All He ever wanted was my love, obedience, and a heart after His own heart. He

wanted my loyalty and my undivided heart. I had no idea that my father had taken God’s place in my heart.

It’s been twenty-three years since my father went home to be with the Lord. God never gave up on me throughout these years, even when I was angry and rebellious. Then, about six years ago, my Heavenly Father left the ninety-nine and went after the one. Finally, He brought His daughter back home to be with Him. My life and heart have changed dramatically since then. I was once dead, but now I’m alive.

Friends, I don’t know if you have experienced a similar situation or may know someone who has. If so, be encouraged; God is an awesome God and an amazing Father. All He ever wanted was to love us. So, when things don’t seem to turn out the way we expect, we can trust our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and is always working behind the scenes, even when we can’t see it.

Heavenly Father, thank you for never giving up on me or letting me go. Thank you for going after me and bringing me back to your arms where I belong. Thank you for forgiving all the wrong I have done and for not wanting to spend eternity without me. Lord Jesus, thank you for taking my place on that cross and dying for me even when I was a sinner. In your precious name, amen!