Actually, I think manipulating God would be like trying to push a truck uphill. It wouldn’t be a good idea to even try it. And I’m too afraid to make deals with Him: What if I couldn’t hold up my end?

What this post IS about is my attitude in asking for the two things I told you about in the last post: my Dad being in remission for cancer and being given a hand up from my government to work online full-time. Because God gave me both I want to look at my asking to see what I got right this time.

My thinking it’s something to write about shows that God doesn’t give me everything I ask for. I could tell you of something I’ve been asking of God for nearly a decade that He hasn’t given me. Maybe writing about when God does give will help me to understand how to ask and what to ask for.

With my Dad, it was a conscious decision. He had cancer. I decided I didn’t want him to have it. I knew who I was going to ask about it, and I decided I wouldn’t stop asking. Of course, I well remembered Jesus telling us how to ask in the parable of the persistent widow.

I fasted, too. I think people don’t want to hear that, these days. We love our food, don’t we? I know I do. I actually hate fasting. Maybe that’s why it shows God what we really want? Anyway, I recommend it if you are the determined type.

I didn’t fast about my work opportunity. Rather, I worked hard for about a year studying internet marketing. I was diligent, and I showed it in my application. Still, I wasn’t confident. The person who told me the news was surprised at my surprise when he gave it to me.

I did pray, though. Sometimes I think God answers our prayers even though our faith is weak to encourage us to have faith next time we are asking. Maybe He just wanted me to have a great day. Maybe He was pleased that I had been praying for my Dad. I think it was all these things, and that the plan fits nicely in with His will, too.

So, what can I do about the thing God hasn’t given me that I’ve been asking of Him for nearly a decade? I’m actually not worried about it because I think God will give me that, too – at the right time.

Imagine if a 14 year old asked his Dad for a sports car. It wouldn’t matter how much the father loved the son, nor how wealthy the father. The son would just have to wait until he was ready to receive it. Of course, the father would be all the keener to present him his dream at the right time for the son’s enthusiasm, too.

Today I got the news that my Dad’s cancer is in remission. I’ve been praying about it for the 2 months he”s been in chemotherapy, and for a month or two before that as well. When he started treatment his stomach was swollen like a ball and he had some pretty awful lumps here and there. To be honest I thought he was a goner.

The other news is that the Australian government, through their contractors have kindly agreed to support me while I start my online business. This site is nothing to do with that – in fact I’m writing this on the sabbath to really keep it separate.

The deal is I get the dole for 12 months on top of whatever money I earn. Sweet, hey? I have to do a month or so of business training first, submit a business plan and then somewhat acheive it along the way. If I’m failing they can kick me off it.

Anyway, I asked God for both things. He gave me both. I’ve been dancing and thanking God with my hands raised up to Him like I want to hug Him. It made me think of where Paul says he would like to see men everywhere praying with their hands lifted (1 Tim 2:8).