Gee whiz, I feel so special. I keep getting emails from a lady who is the president of Publisher’s Clearing House (the sweepstakes people), personally addressed to ME and, get this – this lady is SO sure that I MIGHT win that she has even sent me a script to recite when the Prize Patrol rolls up to my door. How thoughtful.
And my new friend at Publisher’s Clearing House is so encouraging. She invites me to enter all of her contests because she is very sure I MIGHT be the next big winner. I’m sure she wouldn’t lie to me, so when I receive her invitations to enter, I usually do. I’ve memorized my script and I know just what to say when the Prize Patrol man hands me my giant cardboard check.
Okay, don’t worry. Even I am not this gullible. I do realize that the president of Publisher’s Clearing House is not my friend and that she may be contacting a few other people every day too, promising them the same things. Nevertheless, the sweepstakes emails are enticing. I like to think that I might win a million dollars simply by clicking a button on my computer. In fact, it’s almost impossible not to click that button when I know that it gives me a chance, however remote, to win some big bucks.
One thing I know for sure – if I never enter, I’ll never win.
And so it is with life. If we never try or enter or show up, we may miss the good stuff. For example, while we can’t “buy” God’s blessings, it’s important for us to put ourselves in a position to receive the good things He wants to give us. So the question is, how do we do that?
First, by obeying God. It’s not a matter of earning His love or eternal salvation, but when God sees that we faithfully obey Him in the little things, He can entrust more to us.
Second, by showing up whenever and wherever God might be at work. We need to meet alone with Him every day, reading His Word and pouring out our hearts to Him. And we need to go to church with an attitude of excitement and expectancy because with all its faults and foibles, God loves His church and loves to work where His Word is taught, His name is honored, and His praises are sung.
Finally, by persevering. We must hang in there and faithfully stay the course. We may not feel like sweepstakes winners today, but know this: There is an unbelievable jackpot coming one day for everyone who has put their hope in Jesus Christ.
I probably won’t win a million dollars, no matter what my new “friend” at Publisher’s Clearing House says. But I know I have a chance because I entered. I’ve put myself in a position to potentially reap a financial windfall.
But that is small potatoes, indeed, compared to the excitement of daily putting myself in line to receive the spiritual treasures of God. He’s the true Friend, with true riches, whose promises are always bonafide. He’s not a God of “might” or “maybe,” but a God of “yes.”
And I want every good thing He wants to give me.
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. … — 2 Corinthians 1:20a.