Is God a Vending Machine?

     Recently seven members of my family have suffered from COVID, a daughter is scheduled for surgery, my toddler grandson broke his wrist, another grandson is starting vision therapy, and I’m being treated for cancer. In times like this, I wish God were a vending machine and I could insert a coin, punch a selection, and out would drop whatever I ask for.
     Some folks tell me that’s all I need to do. Just pray the right prayer, or pump up enough faith, or live a good enough life, or na...