The Hundred Dollar Book by Martin Wiles

I couldn’t believe it when he handed me a one hundred dollar bill for a ten dollar book.

I had just finished speaking and promoting my latest book. People were now lined up at the table wanting to purchase a copy—and even wanting me to place my signature in the front cover. One by one they handed my wife their money and me their book.

As the line dwindled, I noticed one man waiting patiently with a bill neatly folded and tucked in his hand. As he approached, I signed his book and handed it over. He smiled, handed me the money, and quickly strolled away. I unfolded the bill, noticing a one and a zero. No change needed. But as I continued to unfold, another zero appeared. I immediately assumed he had confused the two bills. As I contemplated chasing him down, the worship leader filled me in. “He hands out money all the time,” she said. But to calm my fears, she checked with him anyway. Sure enough, he wanted to pay one hundred dollars for a ten dollar book.

What he didn’t know—but God did, was that we were behind on our power bill, and my wife had prayed for God to supply our need that night. So with the psalmist, I can say, I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread (Psalm 37:25 NLT).

I’ve learned when I give to God first (Malachi 3:10); he’ll supply every need I have. After I’ve learned this, he’ll prompt me to pass along his blessings (Proverbs 14:21). And when these two actions are in order, it will enable me to keep my perspective on possessions in perspective (Proverbs 16:8).

Have you paid one hundred dollars for a ten dollar book lately?

Prayer: Thank You Merciful God for promising to supply our every need. Prompt us to pass along Your blessings to others in our path.

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