Be Careful What You Wish For

Is a sudden influx of big money a good thing? Does it fulfil people’s dreams?

Amos 5:14

What are you wishing for? Be careful, it might not bring you what you think.

Every week a few 'lucky' people win big money on Lotto. At the same time millions didn’t get what they wished for. I think there is some sort of draw every day of the week. People can win staggering amounts of money if first prize jackpots enough weeks. On 15 October a woman won $100 million. This should tell you something about the odds of winning. But someone eventually wins.

But is a sudden influx of big money a good thing? Does it fulfil people’s dreams?

It won't surprise you that people do study this. The result is a mixed bag. Some people handle it wisely. Pay off the kids' mortgages, invest in such a way to give a steady income. Some are broke very quickly after making bad decisions. And a range of people in the middle. If the name of the winner is published this can bring lots of unwanted attention.

Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it and discover some downsides. Through much of the Old Testament people were wishing for the Day of the Lord. A day when the Lord would come and deal with Israel’s enemies and make Israel prosperous. The 8 century BC prophets warned that the Day of the Lord would bring judgement. As history unfolded first the northern kingdom of Israel was defeated and destroyed and later the southern kingdom of Judah was also destroyed. God gave them many years of grace and opportunities to repent.

What are you wishing for? Be careful, it might not bring you what you think.

God bless,

Pastor Andy