“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.”  -Luke 6:24

At one point or another in your life, you’ve most likely been asked the question, “What would you do if you won the lottery?”

Do you have your answer?

My first order of business would be paying back my college loans. I’d probably ditch my 2003 car for a newer model. I’d certainly travel. I’d buy tons toys and books for my adorable nephew, although he’s only a few months old and still learning that his hands and feet are attached to him.

What that sum of money could do in my life!

OR.

I could donate a hefty sum to City Gospel Mission, a local soup kitchen. I could donate to women’s shelters across the country. I could help buy passports for children whose parents have been deported. These are just a very, very few of the many possibilities of what that good that sort of money could do in the world.

I know that the statistics for winning the lottery are not very promising. In fact, I know I have 0% chance of winning the lottery…and it is 100% because I don’t play the lottery! Then I ask myself, “Why do I need the lottery to invest in ministry?”

I’m still so blessed and have lots to give. I have ears for listening, I have time for giving, and although I don’t have millions of dollars, I have a few bucks here and there to spare for a meal. I have wealth. Maybe not in cash, but I have a wealth of gifts for ministry. We ALL have a wealth of gifts.

Although my bank account will be never be graced by a lottery winning, what I CAN do is donate my time to City Gospel Mission, helping to serve meals to the hungry in my city. I have gently worn work clothes and personal products that can be used at women’s shelters. I can pitch in for passports for children whose families have been torn apart. Perhaps even more important than that is my ability to create awareness—to use the platform I have, no matter how big or small, to advocate for those in need. And I can donate to those ministries I support. Every little bit does indeed help.

Jesus did not have money spilling out of his pockets, and he yet he healed, fed, revived, and saved us all. By the grace of God, I have enough to help my brothers and sisters in Christ.

Alyssa Finke spends her time writing, hiking, and cooking. She also really enjoys a nice adventure, and will cross oceans or city limit signs to have one. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Alyssa is the Marketing Coordinator for Forward Movement. Currently raising a tomato plant, a cactus, and several geraniums, her green-thumb aspirations are a work in progress.