The Vending Machine

I recall a time when I was visiting someone in the hospital. I sat in the waiting room until the appointed time I could go in to see the person I came to visit. There were a few others also waiting. A man got up and walked over to a vending machine on the far wall. In it were displayed various candy bars. The man made his selection, dropped the coins in, but nothing came out. He pressed the buttons again. Nothing. He gave the machine a little shake. Still nothing. Finally with a look of resignation and disappointment he sat back down without his selection or the return of his money. I thought to myself, I’m glad God’s vending machine is not at all like the one in the waiting room.

The waiting room vending machine gave instructions. Put in the required amount of money, press the button for your selection, then presto! you would receive what was promised. The vending machine doesn’t always keep its promises. Not so with God. He also gives instructions with promises of what one will receive if those instructions are carried out. For example, are you weighed down with burdens? Give them to God and He will give you rest (Matthew 11:28). Do you need direction? Call to God and He will answer, showing you great and mighty things you didn’t know (Jeremiah 33:3). Are you terribly sick? Call for the elders of the church to come and pray (James 5:14). Are you afraid of something? Give those fears to God and He will strengthen you and uphold you with His right hand (Isaiah 41:10). Are you walking forward into the unknown feeling dismayed and discouraged? Tell God all about it and He will remind you that He will never leave you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:8). Do you have particular needs? Give those needs to God while thanking Him for all He has already done for you. You will experience His peace which will guard your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

In every situation of life, whether easy or hard, whether joyful or tearful, keep your heart open to Him. Trust builds when we remind ourselves that His promises are always true. Unlike the fickle vending machine, when we put our needs in the hands of our Father, we are assured by His Word, “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11),

Of course, the very best promise of all is to know we are forgiven of everything wrong we have ever done because Jesus died on the cross taking our punishment upon Himself. Eternal life with Jesus is promised to: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). There is no greater joy found anywhere on earth. There is no greater promise given.