In a truly miraculous turn of events, a church sermon has led to a Powerball prize worth $100,000. The winning ticket was purchased by Cindy Johnson, a devoted member of the Zion Baptist Church in Littleton, Indiana.
According to Johnson, the sermon that changed her life was titled “God Helps Those Who Help Themselves”. The too-good-to-be-true message was preached by Pastor John, who has since been hailed as a prophet by the congregation.
“I was feeling really down on my luck before the service,” Johnson told reporters. “But when I heard Pastor John say that God rewards hard work and determination, I knew that I had to take matters into my own hands.”
Johnson went straight to a nearby convenience store and bought $200 worth of Powerball tickets. One of those tickets turned out to be the lucky winner, landing her the grand prize of $100,000.
“When I saw the winning numbers, I knew that it was a sign from God,” Johnson said. “He was telling me that if I want something in life, I have to go out and get it for myself.”
Of course, Johnson is not alone in her beliefs. The idea that God rewards those who help themselves has been around for centuries, and is often used as a justification for selfishness and greed. After all, why rely on the kindness of others when you can just pull yourself up by your own bootstraps?
Of course, the irony is that the very notion of “bootstraps” is a myth perpetuated by those in power, who would rather blame the poor for their own misfortune than address systemic inequality and discrimination.
But hey, who needs systemic change when you can just pray for a winning lottery ticket, right?
Johnson’s win has become a hot topic of conversation in her small town, with many of her fellow church members hailing it as a “miracle”. Some have even suggested that she donate a portion of her winnings to the church, as a way of giving back to the God who apparently blessed her with such good fortune.
Others, however, have been more critical of Johnson’s actions. They point out that the lottery is essentially a tax on the poor, and that buying hundreds of dollars worth of tickets is hardly a responsible financial decision.
But who needs financial responsibility when you have faith, right?
In any case, Johnson seems overjoyed with her winnings, and has no plans to stop playing the lottery anytime soon. “I know that God has big plans for me,” she said. “Who knows what other blessings he has in store?”
Indeed, it seems that the lesson of Pastor John’s sermon has not been lost on Johnson or her fellow congregants. God helps those who help themselves, after all. And who needs humility or community when you can just rely on your own willpower and luck?
