April 29, 2012

The Lottery Ticket

Years ago, when my kids were young, my husband was laid off from the job he held for eighteen years. His unemployment and my part time job were not enough to provide for all of our needs and financial obligations. The financial wolves were circling and looked as though they would get in and destroy everything we had worked for.

I thought about the lottery.  I didn't desire, or dream of  millions, just a few thousand,  or several hundred.  I wouldn't need to worry if I could buy groceries, or clothing, or gas, or any of the other necessities. .

I grabbed my purse and headed for the market. I passed by the dinning table. My Bible still lay there from my morning devotions. Overwhelmed by an urge to open it and read the first Scripture I saw, I stopped in mid-stride, set my purse down and  picked up my Beloved Book. It opened to the Book of Wisdom.  The words rose, lifting from the page - impossible ignore.

Pray for wisdom as if it were money.

I did not buy a lottery ticket that day or any other day. We moved forward in faith. Not surprisingly, we always had enough food, plenty of clothing, gas and most of the other necessities we needed.

Later, I tried to find the passage. I searched the entire Book of Wisdom. I knew without question I had seen it, but I could not find it. While searching for that one, however, I found this one.

And if riches be desired in life, what is richer than wisdom, which maketh all things? Wisdom 8:5

I have never bought a lottery ticket.

Recently, with all the news reports about the super lottery winners, visions of a winning lottery ticket have returned. A hundred and twenty million. Wow. I could pay off my debts, my families debts, start numerous charities, and the list goes on and on.  However, all thoughts of the lottery vanished after the dream.

As with some of my other dreams (that have proven to be premonitions) all details are precise, clear, as if watching a movie or looking at a photograph. In this one, I was walking across the parking lot of our local grocery store. The wind was whipping up all kinds of debris, and a  small piece of paper hit the side of my face.  I peeled it from my cheek and glanced at it.  It was a lottery ticket - for that evening's drawing. I clutched the paper, convinced it was The Winner.

I never made it into the store. Something knocked me out. When I opened my eyes I was lying on the ground. I had been struck by lightening and my precious ticket had been destroyed. Only black ash remained.

It was obvious, once again, that winning the lottery is not in God's plan for my life. His plan is for me to trust Him, not wealth. I may hear wolves sniffing at the door, but they will not get in.  God has - and will- continue to provide enough for my basic existence (and often more) for as long as I walk this earth. There lies my wealth, far richer than anything the world can provide.

14 comments:

  1. God will provide if we trust Him, and we need to trust Him, not money or riches. That's hard, because the world teaches us the opposite.

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  2. Wow, you have certainly had some strong signs about trusting in God! The lottery can be so tempting as a possibility of getting enough money for everything we desire. But what our hearts most desire, even when we don't recognize it, can only be found in the Lord.

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  3. Holy moly! You really got struck my lightning? Whew! God surely doesn't want you to buy a lottery ticket. If you ever try it again, I hope I'm far away from you! LOL

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  4. Exactly, Lorna. The world brow beats us with enticements which are hard to ignore.

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  5. Yes, Connie, I have had strong signs and I've decided to take them to heart! It is indeed our relationship with God that will not only bring about our greatest joy, but also our eternal life.

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  6. Lynn! I owe you a huge apology!
    I thought it was clear that the lightening was in a dream. However, when I went back and re-read the post, I realized it wasn't as clear as I thought. I re-wrote the lead in, and hopefully it is clearer.

    I must add though, I have had dreams similar to this one, so sharp and vivid, like watching a movie, and they turned out to be premonitions. In view of that, if I should be dumb enough after all these warnings to buy a lottery ticket, it would be wise to be standing a long distance away.

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  7. I'm learning to trust the Lord, too, mainly in timing. It is so much easier just to try to take things into our own hands, but that is not the best way. I appreciate this reminder!

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  8. I know what you mean, Jolina. It is hard to wait on His timing when we feel we need the answer NOW.

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  9. This was beautifully written and so very true! Thank you for sharing the story and the sentiment! :)

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  10. I have tried to come here all week and my computer wasn't letting me in...maybe because today is when I needed to hear these words.

    A friend, who doesn't have anything left for the future, no health insurance, etc. turned to me and said, "you know you truly don't understand unless you have been in these shoes do you?" She knew I understand, because I wear the same shoes.

    Each of us can witness to how faithful God has been through our valleys of lack, and He will continue to be in our old age.

    Great post...as always

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  11. Denise, thank you for stopping and commenting.

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  12. Janette, I know blogger sometimes has issues. I have tried to get on other sites and have had trouble. Glad you finally made it! Amazing how God orchestrates everything perfectly.

    Yes, we do need to lean on Him and not look at our circumstances. I am not just leaning this week, I am throwing myself into His arms. Not sure if I will have a job next month...waiting to hear what the announcement will be week after next.

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  13. It's easy to say good things or pray for another when things are stable or we're not experiencing a crisis- it is quite another to remain full of hope, joy and peace when crisis is knocking on your door.

    I am learning no matter where I am, whether I have enough or not, I am content. I know it's only a temporary situation.

    I anticipate the provision- and carefully pray when something appears. Not as a lack of faith, but assurance this is from the Lord. The evil one knows how to deceive - but the Lord always gives peace and adds no sorrow to his provision.

    I had a situation just yesterday, when I thought the Lord would provide in one way and totally came from another source. A double blessing. Love you Cecilia - It's coming.

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  14. I so agree, Terrie. He does have a plan, and it will all turn out, not necessarily as I expect it. He could have something much grander in mind. I am glad you received unexpected blessings, and thank you for sharing. Always gives hope.

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