Article September 2, 2013 ISSUE

Breaking the lottery habit

Tracy V. Black

This originally appeared as a blog on JSH-Online.

When the California lottery began in 1986, I started buying lottery tickets every week, hoping for a big win. For the next 25 years, I never missed a week of playing the lotto.

Then, in 2011, I met a woman who gave me a book called Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. I had never heard of Christian Science before, but, as I read the book, I found that its message was everything I had always believed. I started going to church twice a week with my new friend, and a year later she became my wife. 

I was still playing the lottery, even buying lottery tickets in advance. When I took a trip to Alaska, I knew I couldn’t buy tickets where I was heading, so I purchased two weeks’ worth of tickets beforehand. But after reading Science and Health, I kept having the thought that God is my supply, and I should rely on Him. Later I realized that was an angel message. Mrs. Eddy defines angels as, “God’s thoughts passing to man; spiritual intuitions, pure and perfect; the inspiration of goodness, purity, and immortality, counteracting all evil, sensuality, and mortality” (Science and Health, p. 581 ).

From studying Christian Science, I was learning that I didn’t need to be fearful of the future. I saw that since God is wholly good, and His creation reflects that good, my future has to be wonderful. I was gaining confidence that God loves me and wants only the best for me, and, as long as I put God first, I will see that all of my needs are met.

In March 2012, I was on my way to buy my usual lotto tickets when it hit me: Why am I doing this? If I was going to be a Christian Scientist, how could I not rely on God to be my supply? With that thought in mind, I drove right past the store where I usually bought my tickets. As silly as it may sound, it was one of the hardest things I have had to do. But I have not bought any lotto tickets since that time. I feel like a ton of bricks has been lifted off my shoulders. I am so happy to be free of this habit. I am joyfully looking forward to seeing what God has planned for me next.

About the author

Tracy Black lives in Shadow Hills, California.

Send a comment to the editors
NEXT IN THIS ISSUE
Spiritual Lens
Forever grace
September 2, 2013
Contents

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit