There is a famous movie called "Aladdin." In this movie, a genie is famous for giving three wishes to anyone who rubs its bottle or an oil lamp. The genie is a spirit of Arabian folklore. Many people wish to find a genie bottle to make them rich and powerful. They can get three wishes, and everything that they dream of will come true. All they have to do is ask for them, and the genie will do it immediately without any conditions. Sadly, many people who do not have a good understanding of who God is believe that God functions like a genie. They believe that God should answer their prayer no matter what they are asking Him. If God does not give them wealth, power, protection, and anything that they want, then He is not a true God. They want a god that can only give them blessings and does not demand submission. Jacob had the same attitude towards God when he was not completely surrendered to God. Genesis 28:20-21 says, "Then Jacob made a vow, saying, 'If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear so that I return safely to my father's household, then the Lord will be my God.'"
Jacob determined who should be God in his life. He wanted God to give him prosperity, but he did not want a God who demanded His way into him. Many believers believe in a god in this way, but the true living God does not function in this way because God is the Lord and above everything. God does not submit to us or have the obligation to give whatever we ask of him. He is the one who created everything, and He created us for His honor and glory. We can never have a relationship with God if we are not willing to submit to Him. True believers believe and submit to God's Lordship and walk in His ways. God eventually humbled Jacob, and he learned to submit to God.
Our God does not function like a genie. When we pray to Him, He answers according to His purpose and plan for our lives. God knows what is best for us. He is making us godlier, not worldlier.
Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Does God function like a genie? Am I willing to submit to God's will, or do I want God to submit to my will? What should be my attitude towards God?
Write down all the worries you face today and lift them up to God.
Prayer:
Dear Father in Heaven, You are the God who created everything and gave me life to exist. You are always in control and do what you please. You know what is best for me and only want what is best for me. I thank you for loving me and guiding me. Please help me to submit to your will. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.