the ultimate "Couponing" win!

Have I got a story to share with you!

The other day, my cousin and I talked about buying someone a gift. We decided on going to a certain store because we both had a coupon to shop there. The day of the purchase, we found ourselves coupon less. As she was driving I prayed out loud, "Lord, please provide us with a coupon. How? I don't know. Maybe have someone give us a coupon. In Jesus Name, Amen."

Fast Forward 30 minutes later.

We are sitting on the floor at the store, deciding what to choose when a store employee casually walking by us. Of course, I had to stop him. We asked him if they had extra coupons. What a surprise when He said that they didn't have. As if he cared, I carried on to tell him how my dear Mother threw away my coupon. And BAM, with out any hesitation he offers to "hook" us up with a discount if we pay at his register. He walks away. Can you hear the angels sing, "Glooooooooooria! Glooooooooooria!" OK, maybe there weren't angels singing but we sure were grateful. God heard my prayer.

follow me in this story...

It then hit me, that if I use dmy rewards card I would receive a 25% off coupon for my next purchase.  I figured it all out in my head: I buy this other item, get the coupon and then use it for the gift we were buying. I told my cousin and we both agreed on the new plan. Now we didn't have to bother the store employee.

Fast Forward and skip over the scene of me looking at books and home decor
that I didn't end up buying. 

We are at the register and I hand over my rewards card... we have to make sure this is checked so that I can get my coupon. I told the guy to charge me for the first item and explained to him the whole process of getting the coupon for the next purchase... He literally yelled at me, yes, yelled, "Didn't I tell you that I was going to give you a discount?" At this point I'm speechless, the other cashier and customer look over and He is starring at me like I've committed some horrible crime. Awkward moment there. He repeats himself, "I told you I was going to hook you up." Alrighty then, no arguing there. He proceeds to give us the discount (25% off) and He also gives me the rewards coupon that I intended to use.

Though that guy was pretty nice, in an awkward kind of way, the one who is entirely good is none other that My God. He is good all the time. Not only did He answer my silly prayer, but He taught me a few lesson that I needed to be reminded of: He who promises is faithful.

Many times, more often than not, I rejoice over God's promises for my life but then my mind begins to wander and plot ways of making those promises happen. I lack trust in that God fulfills His promises. I too am marked as a control freak, much like Eve/Sarah/Rebekah/Tamar and other women in the Bible who in some way manipulated a situation in there life. I am impatient and rebellious, but the Lord is always faithful to meet me where I am.
 
1. Regardless of my "handy-work" God's hand at work is much sweeter, more satisfying and overflowing with goodness. [He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. John 15:5]

2. I could have gone to the other cashier and used my coupon, which would have been OK but in order to receive the "hook" up and walk out with an extra coupon, well, I had to go to the one who promised it to me. Apart from God, we will never be blessed. [But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33]

3. The store employee could have hid and not taken care of us, or due to my lack of trust and not given me a discount. But his kindness, generosity and integrity to his word was not dependent on me but entirely on his desire to bless me, to bless us. So it is with the Lord, His goodness, His generosity and His Word don't waver nor do they come to a screeching halt because we are unfaithful and/or faithless. God desires to bless us with an abundant and overflowing life. [Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32]

Has God promised you something?

Has He said to you, "Look to me and I will "hook" you up!"

Let's not be a people who are cheated or who cheat themselves from the blessings of God because we take matters into our own hands. Remember that the promises and blessings of God are as coupons than only He can redeem for us.

Let's choose to say:
Lord You said it.
I believe it.
You do it!