What does it mean to “manipulate” God?
Think in terms of working on a vending machine to get something out of it that you didn’t pay for. Reaching up the dispenser to grab a product that isn’t fairly yours. Ever tempted to rip off the machine?
How do we treat God like a vending machine by trying to manipulate him?
How does the topic “the fear of the Lord” hit you? What’s your respect level for God? Where do you experience disrespect for him–where does it show up for you?
How can one know for sure whether you are manipulating God, or just “boldly coming into His throne of grace”? Or what about the parable about the woman going to the judge day and night for justice until he gets so fed up with her that he grants her want she wants, could that be manipulation? Or is that persistence? When does it become manipulative? When is acting on the Word of God and not letting up until you receive become manipulative and dishonoring to Him? I often wonder. Where is that line? Or, is when we don’t get what we want, when we expected it, that our reaction shows it was manipulative; or was the reaction just great disappointment because we know He is such a Great God? I have seen many, many miracles; dead raise, blind see, deaf hear, lame walk. But, then when it doesn’t happen, and I am greatly disappointed because I have seen Him do it in the past, am I being manipulative when I remind Him of what He has done? Or, am I declaring to Him, since He did it in the past, and His Word gives me promises to stand on for healing again, I am acting in faith?