What Will You Do if you LOSE the Powerball

As the Powerball lottery soars to 1.5 billion dollars with an estimated cash value of nearly $1 billion, millions of Americans are standing in gas station lines to buy their ticket. News channels and news feeds are flooded this week with interviews, comments, and posts all answering the same question: "What will you do if you win the Powerball?" 

Some say they'll pay off debt and buy a new house, while others talk about helping the homeless or giving to the church. And then, of course, there are the truly creative answers ranging from buying an island or sports franchise to paying for a trip to the moon or starring in your own movie. 

Everyone seems to have a dream of what they will do if they win the lottery: the changes they would make, the things they would buy, the people they would help. 

But let me ask the question no one is asking; the question much more applicable: "What will you do if you LOSE the Powerball?" 

For those who bought tickets, the overwhelming odds are they will wake-up tomorrow with the same amount of money as they have today.

The majority will lose the Powerball.

But changes still need to be made. Needs still need to be met. 

The fallacy for many is assuming that $1 billion would allow us to make the changes that need to be made in our lives. For, the truth is that the deepest needs, the greatest changes, can't be bought. 

We all need intangibles that aren't for sale; things like, love in our marriage, reconciliation in our relationships, peace with our children, joyfulness at work, freedom from anxiety, and forgiveness for our sins. 

We need to be in right standing with the God who made us, and no jackpot is big enough. 

We all know what we would do if we won $1 billion, but when you wake up tomorrow and you have lost the Powerball, where will you go next to find what you need? 

I believe that only Jesus Christ and the Good News of his salvation can meet our deepest needs and bring about the greatest change. 

Only Jesus can forgive us of our sin and put us in a right relationship with God. Only Jesus can fill our lives, homes, families, and relationships with freedom, joy, peace, and love.

And the good news is, you don't have to wait in line, you don't have to buy a ticket, and you don't have to hope the odds are in your favor. All you have to do is turn away from your sin and put your faith in Jesus. 

Don't wait until you hit the jackpot to allow your life to be transformed.