81 A Rich Pauper
After Elsie's husband Alvin unexpectedly died of cancer at the age of 40, Elsie fell into a deep depression. For the next twenty years, Elsie lived in poverty, barely able to cope and deal with life.
Elsie's old friend Margaret decided to stop by one day to try to cheer Elsie up. Margaret came into Elsie's house and made her open up all the curtains to let sunlight in. As the light flooded into Elsie's house, Margaret noticed a dusty folder on a drawer in Elsie's living room. The folder had Elsie's name on it, emblazoned in large letters.
Curious, Margaret asked Elsie about the folder. Elsie replied that she had never noticed that folder before until today. Margaret shook off the layers of dust on the folder and opened it. Alvin had left Elsie a bank book and a savings deposit key before he died of cancer!
Trembling with amazement at the discovery, Elsie asked Margaret what did this mean. As Margaret perused through the bank book, she exclaimed that Elsie was actually very rich with cash, stocks, and a priceless antique coin collection! Elsie was rich all this time, but she was living like a pauper because she was too depressed to notice the folder for so many years...
Jesus left us riches and the Holy Spirit when He ascended to heaven almost 2000 years ago. These riches are all ours if we are only diligent in seeking the kingdom of God!
- Recommended reading: Matthew 13:44-46
