Who am I? A wife for almost 40 years. A mom for over 36 years. A sister and a friend, of course. Each of these help describe me. But, even more, I have been a Christian since accepting Him as my Savior when I was 12 years old and, this truth defines each area of my life. I have enjoyed some mountain top experiences but have been through some very deep valleys as well. Valleys of incredible grief and even pits of depression. However, most of my days are ordinary, routine kind of days. But in every one of my days, God has been faithful. He has walked with me whatever the day. He strengthens, comforts, encourages and blesses me with life "most abundant."

A favorite life verse: The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

Why do I write? Though not quite as private as my dad, I am definitely my father's daughter. I find it difficult to share. And to let others in. But I do love to write. I love to put words into sentences and sentences in paragraphs that help express my thoughts. I hope my words help me share my heart. Share the life that God has given me and all that He has done for me and through me. I write with the hope of giving Him at least a bit of the glory He is due.

A verse to guide my writing: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. I Peter 1:7

No Bargaining with God

Posted on By jennifer

The art of negotiation starts early.  We’ve all seen the toddler given a plate of food that does not include pasta or chicken nuggets.  He vacillates between refusing to take a single bite to avoiding the inevitable by simply playing with the food or entertaining everyone at the table.  Finally, he offers, “if I take two bites, can I be done?” His weary parents agree and his bargaining skills are set in motion.  He learns to bargain for everything from extra hours before bedtime to the family car on the weekend.

We all, to some degree, are artful negotiators.  We bargain with bosses, parents, spouses, the scale and even ourselves. And, if we are not careful, the idea of bargaining – “if I….then __________” – carries into our spiritual life.  In Thailand, the Buddhist monks adhere to a long list of rules and restraints in an effort to make themselves purer and to achieve enlightenment.  Even those who are not monks, work carefully to keep the spirits happy – believing if they do so, they will have good karma and a happy life.

It is not hard to develop the same type of mindset even as Christians. However, there are no works of righteousness that can either earn our salvation or guarantee us a trouble-free life.  We do not “bargain” for our salvation and we cannot bargain with God in order to control or manipulate our circumstances.

STOP

These are my thoughts from this week’s prompt at Five Minute Friday – IF.  They include just a hint of some of the things that impacted me while I was on my trip to Thailand.  I hope to include more in the days (or weeks) ahead.  I want to thank each one who prayed for me while I was gone.  It is hard to believe the trip has come and gone but I pray God will daily continue teaching me from the experiences I had while there.  It can be hard to process it all at once…so I’m looking for little nuggets of new truth each day! 

I did have the opportunity to help teach English to 11th-grade students at a Buddhist temple.  Of all the teaching activities we did, this was definitely the most fun.  So many laughs!!

Other

Comments (14)

  1. I love the analogy you used with bargaining. I have to admit it is easy to fall into that habit. How exciting that you had the opportunity to teach English to students in a Buddhist temple. WOW! I love how we can spread the love of Jesus by our actions. And yes, nothing we can do earns us salvation. How thankful I am for His free gift of love. Thank you for stopping by Heart Choices and leaving your kind comment.

  3. I'm glad your trip went well and I look forward to reading more. I agree, it can be easy to fall into bargaining with God- thinking if we do certain things he should do what we want- instead of remembering that he is in charge.

  4. Nice to meet you. Yes your words ring true. There is nothing we have to do to earn God's favour. But we can still have an if then statement. If we listen to Him and follow him He will build His house.
    Blessings
    Janis
    #40 on FMF

    1. Thanks for your kind words, Andrew! You are blessed – and a blessing to us each week at FMF! Thanks for sharing so faithfully!

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