While on vacation down the New Jersey shore, my younger son and I drive ten miles north to Atlantic City, checking out the glitzy buildings along its famed boardwalk. He’s most interested in seeing the Trump Taj Mahal. Really? And there it is! Big as life. But my, oh my, what glitsy bling-bling.

My ulterior motive centers on wanting to teach my boy a lesson–that gambling is a big waste of time and money. Like my Grandmother Gibson-Harrison, I frown on wagering. Even lottery tickets. My mother bought them every week. Never me. Not once. Could that be why I’ve never won? Just missing out on that $1 Billion Powerball? You think?

But a lesson’s to be learned this day at Atlantic City’s Trump Taj Mahal. I mosey over to a slot machine. I carry with me a huge stash of cash. Almost need a Brink’s truck, full of armed guards, to protect all of my 50 cents.

I reach an available slot machine, promptly shoving those two quarters into the greedy gadget. I push down on its arm. The fruit spin around and around, and where they stop nobody knows. I think I know.

This will show my boy. Won’t it? No! Rather, I doubled my money, all to the glee and laughter of that son of mine! Lesson learned? ‘Jus’ fahget it’ as we New Jerseyians are accused of saying!

Here’s something else. My Christian life is fine-and-dandy when I’m dealt four aces, so to speak. On sunny days. With everything going my way. But what about days, weeks, and more when my chips are down and gone? The house wins and I lose. What then? Now how’s my faith in Jesus doing?

That’s when the spiritual rubber hits the road. Usually, without even thinking, I’m wondering what I’ve done wrong to deserve God’s anger. Unfortunately, I quickly dredge up something, forgetting that God has more forgiveness available than I need at any particular moment. His love trumps any failure and fault that I lay at His feet. Still, I wonder, stubbornly holding onto guilt and shame. Forgetting His…well, you know. Don’t you?

The longer I live, the more life becomes a bit of a gamble. Fewer certainties. Little to bank on. Except with the Lord Jesus. St. Paul says it best–‘Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ’ (Phil. 1:27 NIV).

‘Whatever happens…’ Often we don’t know what’s happening. We don’t have a clue. And won’t. That’s when we need to grow up. Be who we say we are in Jesus, trusting Him when it makes little sense. Holding on when God seems far away and utterly silent. Don’t ever let go. He really won’t. Doubt your doubts. Trust His promises. A better bet, for sure.

‘Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then…I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you’ (Phil 1:27-28).

That’s better than a royal flush, whatever that is!

Lord Jesus, you are my only hope in this life. Thank you for always being with me. Amen.