I know a Christian man that had become overly involved in day trading. Unlike the long-term strategies that most financial advisers will recommend, day trading involves buying and selling securities as they move up and down the market in the same day. (Think of the person trying to get ahead on a busy freeway by making frequent, aggressive lane changes.) There is the potential to turn a quick profit, but the risks are steep.
The man got himself into debt to the tune of $68,000. As you might imagine, he was filled with anxiety over what he had done and was praying fervently that the Lord would help him get out of the financial bind. His gloomy countenance and his dejected body language was evident to anyone that knew what had happened.
He continued to pray but also put a small amount of money into another high-risk investment. The hunch hit and it began to climb. He kept a constant eye on it as it grew rapidly and within a few days it reached $68,000—on the button. The whole thing was fast moving so he had to make a choice. Cash out the unforeseen blessing to get back to zero or wait to see if there was a bit more money to be made. He chose the latter option, and it plummeted to virtually nothing. The blessing vanished before his eyes.
No one likes it when someone moves the proverbial goal post, yet sometimes Christians do that to God. On receiving an answer to prayer, they try for a little bit more. It makes for a kind of blessing abuse. Consider what happened when God miraculously gave the Israelites manna from heaven.
This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Gather of it, each one of you, as much as he can eat. You shall each take an omer, according to the number of the persons that each of you has in his tent.’” And the people of Israel did so. They gathered, some more, some less. But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat. And Moses said to them, “Let no one leave any of it over till the morning.” But they did not listen to Moses. Some left part of it till the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. (Ex. 16:16–20)
The people had a great need and God filled it in an unexpected way. Not only was the physical existence of manna a divine wonder, but also everyone got all that they needed. There was no lack. “Each of them gathered as much as he could eat.”
Problem solved, right? Nope. The blessing came with one rule. Take what you need and no more, but they didn’t listen. Instead of appreciating that all their needs were provided for, they tried to squeeze even more out of God. Because of their blessing abuse, what started as a supernatural supply ended as a putrefied punishment.
What about you? Do you move the goal post on God? Are you a “thank you but-er”? “Thank you God, but can I get a little more?” “This is amazing! Thank you God, but could I have the better one?” “Thank you God for always providing for every one of my past needs, but what am I going to do about tomorrow?”
When the Bible says, “Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think” (Eph. 3:20), it is in the context of being filled with the fullness of God that comes by knowing the love of Christ. It is a love that “exceeds all knowledge.” Are you satisfied with the gift of an incomprehensible love of Christ, or do you hold out for just a bit more? Be careful not to pray your way right out of a blessing that fits your present need like a glove. Check your heart before you find yourself recovering from a painful lesson due to blessing abuse.
Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul. (Ps. 66:16)