Have you ever tried to use reverse psychology on God?  That’s where I found myself last night.  In the midst of an up-and-down Steelers game, I kept trying to find ways to get God to allow the Steelers to win.  I didn’t want to pray for a victory.  (I don’t want footbal to be too important in my life, plus I recognize that no matter what a victory would mean for me, there’s someone on the opposite side feeing the same way about their team.)

Yet, in the heat of the moment I couldn’t seem to stop myself.  I kept trying to find ways to “trick” God into allowing the Steelers to win.  I’d say things like, “God, if the Steelers win this would be a good lesson in why we should never give up and always have hope.”  Or “God, if the Steelers win I would better understand your grace.”

Yeesh.  Or as Myron Cope might say, double yoi!

As I thought about my behavior I began to wonder – how often do I try and manipuate God without realizing it?  How often do I blame God for things, when in fact I never asked for something, instead I tried to manipulate God? 

Sadly.  Too often.