Trading Treasures

In the 1970s there was a popular game show called “Let’s Make a Deal.”  After multiple small trades, the show concluded with an opportunity for two participants to trade their winnings for a mystery deal behind Door 1, Door 2 or Door 3.  It was a fun game with trust on the part of traders and integrity on the part of the organizers.  Traders often gave up personal items such as shoes or purses only to receive them back at the end—often with hidden treasures inside.  When traders won ‘zonk’ prizes such as a live lama or a person dressed in an animal costume, an option to take cash instead came with them.   Everyone left a winner.

We have that same potential in life:  assured winnings!  Every day offers us ‘trades,’ and none are small; they all offer the potential of the grand prize:  God Himself!  Unfortunately, we exchange the precious gift of time without conscious thought.

Psalm 90:12  So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

In life, there really are only two doors…and the choice is the same as the one in the Garden of Eden: faith or doubt.   One door is managed by a Creator with integrity who transforms zonks into treasures; the other door is operated by the deceiver who takes our trades and gives destruction.

Every day comes with incredible possibility for each of the 1440 minutes it contains.  Perhaps our greatest difficulty is that we sometimes perceive difficulties as barriers instead of the doorways they are.  The problems of each day are not things keeping us from God, they are conveyor belts ushering us to God.  Smooth sailing days are the preference of everyone but passion for the presence of God is born in the hard times.  Just as the traders on “Let’s Make A Deal” could not advance without choosing to risk their prizes, we do not advance in our spiritual life until we risk our treasures in faith.

What do you treasure?  For most of us, our family, our homes and our work are treasures we never want to put up for trade. Sometimes life forces our hand though. The heart cries of parents who see children struggling with illness or addictions storm the gates of heaven every day.  Homelessness, unemployment and grief in lost abilities weigh upon millions around the world each day…and drive folks to God.  The moment our heart seeks the Creator, every zonk that has entered our day becomes transformed.  God will allow nothing that cannot produce good.  Faith IS the victory that overcomes.  Choose His door…He is trustworthy.

Faith is the Victory